By our correspondent
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of eroding democratic norms and steering the country towards authoritarian rule.
Atiku, in a statement issued by his media office in Abuja, alleged that recent actions of the Federal Government indicated a deliberate attempt to suppress opposition and consolidate political control ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He specifically criticised the reported action of operatives of the Department of State Services against properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, describing it as unlawful and politically motivated.
According to him, the move, which allegedly occurred while the matter was still before the court, was a misuse of state power.
He said, “This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is a regime weaponising state power to silence dissent.”
The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress further alleged that democratic institutions in the country were increasingly being deployed for political purposes, warning that such actions could undermine the nation’s democracy.
Atiku also claimed that opposition figures were being targeted in a coordinated effort to weaken alternative political voices, citing the alleged pressure on key political actors, including former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
He alleged that the trend was aimed at compelling opposition leaders to align with the ruling party, thereby shrinking the democratic space.
“This is political extortion at the highest level—join us or be destroyed,” he said.
The former Vice President warned that Nigeria risked drifting towards a one-party state if dissenting voices continued to be suppressed.
He also drew parallels with past political developments in the country, cautioning against a repeat of actions capable of undermining democratic governance.
Atiku further accused the administration of using anti-corruption agencies as tools of coercion, alleging that some political office holders were being pressured to defect to the ruling party under threat of investigation or prosecution.
He maintained that leadership should not be used to subvert the will of the people, stressing that democracy thrives on competition and freedom of choice.
“Freedom of choice is the lifeblood of democracy. Once you kill it, dictatorship takes over,” he added.
Efforts to get a response from the Presidency and the Department of State Services were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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