Tinubu Focused on Having His Way or Destroying Democracy, Atiku Alleges

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of pursuing a political strategy aimed at either controlling the outcome of the 2027 elections or undermining Nigeria’s democratic system.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja, the former Vice President warned that recent political developments reflect what he described as increasing intolerance toward opposition parties under the current administration.

Atiku’s remarks came in reaction to the reported denial of access to a public event venue in Abuja to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a political gathering linked to the affirmation of its presidential candidate.

He specifically criticised the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the incident as an abuse of office and an infringement on constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

According to the statement, private and public facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, and across Nigeria, should remain accessible to all political actors regardless of affiliation, adding that any restriction on lawful political activity amounts to discrimination.

Atiku further alleged that there is a growing pattern of institutional interference targeting opposition parties, which he claimed could weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also referenced the ruling African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that both his party and others have faced similar challenges in accessing venues for political activities, which he described as part of a broader attempt to restrict opposition space.

“The Tinubu government is afraid of free and fair elections, and their tactics to suppress the opposition will not succeed,” the statement read.

Atiku warned that what he termed “creeping authoritarianism” could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions if not addressed, urging civil society groups, democratic stakeholders, and Nigerians to resist any erosion of constitutional freedoms.

He called on the FCT Minister to reverse what he described as an unconstitutional action and ensure equal access to facilities for all political parties.

The statement concluded with a warning that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from what he described as attempts to tilt the political playing field in favour of the ruling party ahead of 2027.