Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over Nigeria’s potential drift toward political dictatorship. He voiced his apprehensions in a tweet on his verified X account on Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 elections stated, “It is deeply regrettable that our current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly manipulated by those in power.”
He noted that “our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual.” Atiku warned that Nigeria is “teetering on the brink of a one-party dictatorship” and called upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.
In his message, he extended heartfelt congratulations to all Nigerians on the significant occasion, emphasizing that the day should be a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of the citizens who continue to believe in the nation’s potential.
Reflecting on the nation’s journey, Atiku acknowledged the challenges faced but highlighted the resilience of patriotic citizens, strengthened by international solidarity. He took pride in what he described as the “enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria,” noting that this anniversary marks the longest period of democratic governance in the country’s history.
However, he stressed the need for more progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring genuinely free and fair elections. Atiku urged the political elite to unite in the mission of safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy from the threat of authoritarianism.