Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically eroding Nigeria’s democracy through political suppression and institutional manipulation.
Atiku made the statement during a national conference organized by the Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development on January 27, where civil society organizations gathered to deliberate on the sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Atiku expressed deep concern over what he described as the APC’s increasing monopoly on power. He alleged that the ruling party was stifling opposition voices and undermining democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The APC has become an extension of Tinubu’s personal ambition, with systematic efforts to cripple opposition parties and populate INEC with loyalists,” Atiku stated.
He further accused the Tinubu administration of awarding contracts to companies with direct ties to the president’s family, raised concerns over conflicts of interest and the abuse of state resources for personal gain.
Atiku also condemned what he called the government’s suppression of fundamental human rights, citing the labeling of protesters as treasonous. He argued that such tactics were reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
Rather than address these issues, Atiku said the APC had resorted to personal attacks against him, a move he described as a sign of the ruling party’s desperation and paranoia.
The former vice president warned that Nigeria’s democracy faced a serious threat if the current trend continued, urging civil society and political stakeholders to remain vigilant.
