Amanze Chinonye
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of pursuing a one-party state agenda, warning that an alleged plot to deregister the opposition party through the courts could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja, the former vice president described the reported move to deregister the NDC as a calculated attempt to suppress opposition voices and deny Nigerians the opportunity to make a free electoral choice.
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Atiku said the development reinforced what he described as the Tinubu administration’s determination to erode democratic institutions in order to gain an advantage in the next presidential election.
He warned that efforts to stifle opposition parties could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democratic stability, stressing that credible elections depend on the existence of viable political alternatives.
“The participation of citizens in free, fair and credible elections is the soul of democracy,” Atiku said, adding that any attempt to limit political choices could trigger instability and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The former vice president also accused Tinubu of contradicting the democratic ideals he once championed, alleging that while the President publicly professes commitment to democracy, the actions of his administration and political allies suggest otherwise.
He urged Tinubu to emulate Late former President Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said did not seek to deregister opposition parties despite the intense political contests during their administrations.
“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku said.
He further argued that no government should seek to retain power by weakening political opponents, insisting that Nigerians must be allowed to determine their leaders through an open and competitive electoral process.
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Atiku also appealed to the judiciary to resist political interference, warning judges against allowing themselves to be used to undermine the country’s democratic institutions.
He said the judiciary must preserve its integrity as the “last hope of the common man,” cautioning that the actions of a few judicial officers could diminish public confidence in the courts and damage Nigeria’s democratic credentials.
The statement comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding legal proceedings involving the NDC, with opposition figures expressing concerns that attempts to deregister the party could narrow Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections.
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.
