The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken democratic institutions and frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the allegation on Saturday while reacting to the reported denial of a venue in Abuja for a Peoples Democratic Party event by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office, the former vice president described the development as an abuse of democratic rights and an infringement on the constitutional freedoms of association and peaceful assembly.
According to him, the action amounted to partisan interference and reflected what he described as a growing pattern of efforts by the Federal Government to restrict opposition activities.
He alleged that both public and private facilities should be accessible to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, arguing that denying opposition parties access to such venues undermines democratic principles and political inclusiveness.
Atiku further claimed that opposition parties, including the ADC, had experienced similar challenges in the past, alleging that the administration was deliberately shrinking the political space available to dissenting voices.
“The refusal to allow legitimate political activities to hold in public facilities is discriminatory and represents partisan interference. It also sets a dangerous precedent capable of weakening democracy, the rule of law and the credibility of future elections,” the statement read.
The former vice president accused the Tinubu administration of using state institutions to gain political advantage ahead of the next presidential election, alleging that such actions were aimed at creating an uneven playing field in favour of the ruling party.
He warned that continued interference in opposition activities could erode public confidence in democratic processes and threaten political pluralism in the country.
Atiku maintained that he remained committed to democratic values and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate and participate in political activities.
He also alleged that recent developments formed part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and weaken opposition voices before the 2027 elections.
“The government is afraid of free and fair elections, but attempts to suppress opposition parties will not succeed. Nigerians remain committed to democracy, accountability and leadership that respects the constitution,” he said.
The ADC flagbearer called on Wike to reverse the decision and ensure that all political parties enjoy equal access to facilities required for lawful political activities.
He also urged civil society organisations, democratic institutions and other stakeholders to resist what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic system.
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