Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under serious threat, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately weakening opposition parties and shrinking democratic space in ways that could result in a de facto one-party state.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said Nigerians have endured nearly three years of deep economic hardship under the Tinubu-led government, alongside political actions he believes undermine democratic values and pluralism.
According to Atiku, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted a calculated strategy that combines harsh economic policies with political manoeuvres aimed at eliminating viable opposition, leaving the party dominant “by default, not by merit.”
He described the steady erosion of opposition parties as one of the most troubling developments under the current administration, stressing that democracy cannot survive without strong and credible political alternatives.
“The systematic weakening of opposition platforms represents a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic future,” Atiku said, adding that concerned and patriotic leaders identified this risk early and rallied around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for national rescue.
The former vice president alleged that forces linked to the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal affairs, especially through public pressure and speculation over who should emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.
Reacting to calls in some quarters for him to step aside, Atiku dismissed such demands as irresponsible and anti-democratic, describing them as subtle attempts to weaken the opposition and advance authoritarian interests.
“Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this rescue mission. Any call, overt or covert, for him to step aside is a betrayal of democratic choice and a disservice to the Nigerian people,” the statement said.
He reaffirmed that the ADC is committed to an open, transparent and competitive process in selecting its presidential flagbearer, insisting that no external actor has the right to intimidate, blackmail or sabotage the party.
Atiku said the party’s immediate priority is strengthening its grassroots base, with ongoing efforts to build solid ward, local government and state structures across the country.
He added that the ADC remains open to all genuine opposition figures, noting that inclusiveness is the foundation of democracy, and assured that all qualified aspirants would be free to contest when the time comes, without pressure or coercion.
In a pointed remark, Atiku argued that if anyone should step aside in the national interest, it should be President Tinubu, whom he described as an increasing national liability amid worsening economic conditions and growing public frustration.
He also referenced the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, describing the move as politically significant, particularly in the Southeast.
According to Atiku, Obi’s declaration triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the ADC, which he said exposed fear within the ruling party.
“The panic is evident. The rising acceptance of the ADC as a credible alternative has unsettled those who benefit from the status quo,” he said.
Atiku concluded by vowing that the ADC would resist intimidation, intrigue and sabotage, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy would not be surrendered without a fight.
