Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s democratic decline, warning that the country is sliding into authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In his Independence Day address on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concerns over the erosion of electoral credibility, manipulation by those in power, and the weakening of opposition parties, according to Peoples Gazette.
He called on political elites across parties to unite and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from the brink of authoritarianism.
Abubakar drew parallels with Nigeria’s founding fathers, who championed independence through peaceful activism.
“I call on the political elite to unite in the noble mission of safeguarding our democracy from the brink of authoritarianism,” Atiku said.
“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavours and those of subsequent generations.”
He added, “It is deeply regrettable that our current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly manipulated by those in power. Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.”
He emphasized the need for collective action to reclaim democracy from oppression and ensure the country’s democratic survival.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu presented a contrasting view in his Independence Day broadcast. He highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward realizing the dreams of its founding fathers, who chose democracy as the form of government 64 years ago.
Tinubu’s administration has implemented significant policies, including economic reforms, which have sparked debates about the country’s direction.
“The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.”
“Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.
“Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers,” Mr Tinubu said.
Atiku’s warnings come amid growing concerns over the president’s commitment to democracy.
The divergence in views between Atiku and Tinubu reflects the country’s deepening political divide.
As Nigeria navigates its democratic challenges, the call for unity and collective action to safeguard democracy resonates across the political spectrum.