Nigeria’s Democracy “Under Existential Threat,” Atiku Warns
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a severe danger to Nigeria’s democratic system, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of engineering conditions that could lead to a de-facto one-party state.
In a statement released on Tuesday and issued through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political landscape, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been systematically eroding the influence of opposition parties. According to him, this erosion weakens the checks and balances essential to democratic life and risks transforming the APC into the nation’s only viable political force.
Atiku said Nigerians have endured nearly three years of harsh economic measures and a shrinking political space under the Tinubu government, which he claims have undermined citizens’ freedoms and democratic norms. He argued that the APC’s dominance is “by default, not by merit,” driven more by political maneuvers than by broad public support.
The former vice president highlighted the growing difficulty opposition parties face in operating effectively, asserting that the systematic weakening of alternative platforms poses a “grave danger” to the country’s democratic future. He pointed to the rising prominence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he recently joined, as part of efforts by patriotic leaders to counter this trend.
Atiku also accused unnamed agents aligned with the presidency of attempting to interfere in ADC’s internal affairs, especially concerning the party’s choice of presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. He rejected calls for him to step aside as irresponsible and harmful to democratic competition.
In response, Atiku insisted that the ADC remains committed to a transparent and competitive nomination process, open to all qualified contenders, and free from external pressure. He reaffirmed that strengthening grassroots political structures remains a priority in building a credible opposition capable of challenging the dominance of the ruling party.
The ex-vice president concluded by warning that Nigeria’s democracy would not survive without genuine political alternatives and pledged resistance against intimidation and sabotage aimed at diminishing opposition voices.