Politics
Tinubu’s Actions Endangering Democracy, Atiku Warns
Atiku accuses Tinubu democracy erosion, warning of authoritarian drift and political intimidation ahead of 2027 elections
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of undermining democratic institutions and steering Nigeria towards authoritarian rule, citing recent actions by security agencies as evidence of a troubling trend.
Also read: Atiku Demands El-Rufai Release After Malami Visit
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Atiku condemned what he described as a state-backed operation by the Department of State Services targeting properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Atiku alleged that operatives sealed Malami’s residences and businesses despite ongoing legal proceedings, describing the move as “lawless, vindictive, and politically motivated.”
“This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is a regime weaponising state power to silence dissent,” he said.
The criticism forms part of a broader warning by the former vice president, a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress, who argued that Nigeria is witnessing a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.
Atiku accuses Tinubu democracy erosion in what he described as a coordinated effort to weaken opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further claimed that state institutions are increasingly being deployed for political purposes rather than national security, warning that such actions could undermine public trust and electoral credibility.
“What we are seeing is the naked abuse of power. This is how democracies decline,” he said.
Atiku also alleged that prominent political figures, including Nasir el-Rufai and Malami, were being targeted as part of a wider strategy to pressure opposition leaders.
He suggested that such actions risk narrowing Nigeria’s political space, warning against the emergence of a dominant party system that could weaken democratic competition.
Drawing historical parallels, Atiku cautioned against repeating past political mistakes, referencing periods in Nigeria’s history marked by limited political plurality.
He also raised concerns about the alleged use of anti-corruption agencies to influence political alignments, describing such practices as detrimental to democratic governance.
“No individual has the right to control the destiny of millions for personal ambition,” he said, urging adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.
The presidency has not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Also read: Atiku Abubakar Honours Fallen Soldiers on Armed Forces Day
Political analysts note that the exchange reflects rising tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape as parties begin early positioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.
A massive crowd of party faithful thronged Agege on Saturday, May 16, as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, secured his place as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
The hitch-free primary exercise saw card-carrying members in their numbers validate his candidacy, underscoring the strength of his grassroots support.
The development comes just days after Obasa’s May 13 declaration at a stakeholders’ meeting in Agege, where he announced his ambition to contest for the federal seat.
At that earlier event, he explained that his decision was driven by calls from party leaders and stakeholders who believed he could serve Agege more effectively at the national level.
“I answered the call of our leaders and stakeholders who believe I can serve Agege better. We must present candidates with capacity, loyalty, and commitment to the progress of Agege,” Obasa had said.
At the primary election, Obasa expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from his constituency.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence reposed in me by our leaders and members. Today’s validation is not just about me; it is about our collective resolve to continue building Agege and Lagos State on the foundation of progress and development,” he remarked.
He further pledged to remain people-focused in his representation: “My commitment has always been to serve with integrity, to amplify the voices of our people, and to ensure that Agege continues to stand tall in the comity of constituencies. This validation strengthens my resolve to deliver more dividends of democracy.”
Party officials praised the peaceful conduct of the exercise, noting that it reflected the unity and discipline within the APC in Agege.
Observers also pointed to Obasa’s earlier endorsement of Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi for Agege Constituency I and Hon. Azeez Oladapo Yusuf Ninolowo for Agege Constituency II as evidence of his broader strategy to consolidate party cohesion.
With the primary now concluded, Obasa is set to fly the APC flag in the forthcoming general election, a move that many believe will further entrench the party’s influence in Agege.
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