Amanze Chinonye
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election, Prime Business Africa reports.
Atiku made the allegation in a statement issued on Saturday by his media office while reacting to the reported denial of a venue in Abuja for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hold an event aimed at affirming its presidential candidate.
The former vice president described the action, which he attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as an abuse of power and an infringement on the constitutional rights of political parties.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Atiku Accepts ADC Presidential Ticket, Accuses APC Government of Undermining Democracy
According to the statement, the refusal to allow the PDP to use the venue amounted to a violation of the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
Atiku alleged that the development was part of a broader pattern by the Tinubu administration to frustrate opposition parties and create an uneven political environment ahead of the next presidential election.
He argued that both public and private facilities should be accessible to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, adding that the denial of access to the PDP was discriminatory and reflected partisan interference in the political process.
The ADC flagbearer further claimed that opposition parties had increasingly faced obstacles in carrying out legitimate political activities, citing what he described as previous challenges encountered by the ADC during its national convention in April.
He also alleged that a faction of the ADC was recently allowed to hold a public event in the FCT without interference, contrasting it with the treatment allegedly meted out to the PDP.
READ MORE :
ADC Battles Venue Crisis Hours to Convention, Alleges Silence from FCT Ministry
Atiku warned that such actions could undermine democratic principles, the rule of law and the credibility of future elections.
The former vice president accused the federal government of using state institutions and resources to weaken opposition parties and suppress political pluralism.
He maintained that the administration was displaying intolerance toward dissenting political voices and was seeking to tilt the political landscape in favour of the ruling party.
The statement further asserted that Nigerians were demanding accountability, constitutional governance and credible elections, insisting that efforts to suppress opposition parties would not succeed.
Atiku called on the FCT Administration to reverse the decision and ensure that all political parties are granted equal access to public and private facilities for lawful political activities.
He also urged civil society organisations, democratic stakeholders and citizens to resist what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies in the country.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
