Atiku Accuses Tinubu Of Driving Nigeria Toward Authoritarian Rule, Crushing Democracy

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing his administration of dismantling democratic institutions and pushing Nigeria dangerously close to authoritarian rule.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the Atiku Media Office and issued on Monday in Abuja on March 23, 2026,  Atiku condemned what he described as a “state-sponsored siege” carried out by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

According to the former vice president, the action—allegedly taken despite the matter being before the courts—amounts to a blatant abuse of power and a calculated attempt to intimidate perceived political opponents.

“This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is a regime weaponising state power to silence dissent,” Atiku stated.

He warned that Nigeria is witnessing a steady erosion of democratic norms, with security agencies increasingly being deployed for political purposes rather than national security.

“What we are seeing is the naked abuse of power—security agencies used not to protect citizens, but to settle political scores. This is how democracies collapse,” he said.

Atiku further alleged that the Tinubu administration is executing a broader strategy to weaken opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that key political actors are being targeted and pressured.

He referenced figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Malami, alleging attempts to coerce them into aligning with the ruling party.

“This is political coercion at the highest level—an attempt to force compliance through intimidation,” he said.

The former vice president warned that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state if dissent continues to be suppressed and opposition voices silenced.

“When opposition is weakened and dissent punished, elections become mere formalities,” he added.

Drawing a historical parallel, Atiku cautioned against a repeat of authoritarian tendencies reminiscent of the Sani Abacha self-succession bid, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant.

He also accused the administration of weaponising anti-corruption agencies to pressure political actors into defection, describing the trend as a dangerous form of state capture.

“No individual has the right to dominate the political system or determine the destiny of millions for personal ambition. Leadership must remain accountable,” he stated.

Atiku concluded by emphasising that democracy depends on freedom of choice and political competition.

“Freedom of choice is the lifeblood of democracy. Once it is undermined, dictatorship takes over,” he said.