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NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE AS OPPOSITION FACES EXISTENTIAL THREAT, ATIKU’S OFFICE WARNS

CapitalTimesNews / 4 weeks

3 min read

The political landscape of Nigeria is under a severe and calculated assault aimed at establishing a de facto one-party state, the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared. In a statement, the Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inflicted widespread hardship and is systematically weakening opposition parties to eliminate political alternatives. The statement described the past three years as one of the harshest periods in recent history, defined by punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space. It accused the Tinubu administration of pursuing a creeping authoritarian ambition, leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress standing alone by default, not by merit. “Thankfully, patriotic leaders saw this danger early and chose resistance over silence by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the nucleus of a credible national alternative,” the statement read. Ibe alleged that agents aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilize the ADC from the outside, particularly by issuing reckless prescriptions about its internal affairs and the choice of a presidential candidate. “Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to ‘step aside’ is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” Paul Ibe warned. The statement emphasized that the ADC is on a national rescue mission and that Atiku Abubakar is central to this effort. The media office affirmed the ADC’s commitment to an open and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer, stating that APC proxies have no standing to intimidate or sabotage this democratic resolve. “Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference,” Ibe stated. He noted that the party is focused on building grassroots structures nationwide and remains open to all genuine opposition figures. The statement highlighted that the recent declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. “Their fear is evident,” said Ibe. Concluding with a defiant tone, Paul Ibe declared that the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. “No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission. Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” Ibe stated. The statement suggested that if anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership it described as a national liability.

OPPOSITION LEADERS ACCUSE PRESIDENT TINUBU OF USING EFCC FOR POLITICAL PERSECUTION

CapitalTimesNews / 2 months
0
4 min read

Notable opposition leaders have accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a weapon of political persecution. In a statement signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders including David Mark, Bode George, and Peter Obi, the opposition leaders alleged that Tinubu is deploying state power to persecute perceived political adversaries. Raising alarm over what they called a threat against Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, they accused the Tinubu government of a plot to annihilate opposition. They therefore demanded an independent review body to examine public accounts of federal, state, and local governments from 2015 to 2025 and proposed embedding anti-graft operatives directly into government payment and expenditure processes at all levels. The statement titled, “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition: A Joint Statement by Opposition Leaders on the Growing Politicisation of State Institutions for Persecution of the Opposition,” reads: “We are compelled by duty to nation and conscience to issue this statement to alert our compatriots and the international community to the unfortunate and gradual slide of our country into a state where key national institutions – particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; The Nigeria Police; The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission are increasingly perceived as tools of political intimidation, selective justice and systematic persecution of opposition leaders.” They further stated, “Across our nation, there are mounting concerns that state power is being deployed not for prevention of economic crimes, but for persecution of perceived political adversaries, with the ultimate aim of weakening opposition voices and dismantling Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.” Atiku Abubakar and the other leaders warned of a dangerous agenda unfolding, stating that more than ever before in Nigeria’s democratic experience, Nigerians have witnessed what many now describe as a covert, undemocratic agenda to ensure that all state governments fall under the control of the President’s party – not through transparent electoral contests, but by secretly intimidating opposition governors via the anti-corruption apparatus until they succumb and defect. They cited recent defections of opposition governors into the ruling party as reinforcing public suspicion that political pressure is driving this realignment. The opposition leaders accused the EFCC of a discernible pattern of persecution of the opposition with the sole objective of weakening same for the benefit of the ruling APC. They referenced a statement by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole that “Once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven,” which they said has come to symbolise a troubling reality. They gave examples of ministers who resigned after scandals but have not been charged by the EFCC, highlighting selective enforcement. Atiku Abubakar emphasized that such selective enforcement undermines the legitimacy of anticorruption efforts and erodes public trust. The leaders expressed concern over the erosion of EFCC’s independence and made several demands, including depoliticizing the EFCC, returning it to its statutory mandate, defending multiparty democracy, embedding preventive anti-corruption mechanisms, and establishing an independent review body. They proposed that the independent review body be chaired by an eminent judge and composed of representatives from civil society, professional bodies, security agencies, and political parties. They called on all patriotic Nigerians to stand firm in defence of democracy, quoting Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” They warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat and pledged to engage foreign partners, including the United States, UK, Canada, EU, World Bank, and United Nations, to express concern about the EFCC becoming a tool to weaken opposition. The statement was signed by Sen. David Mark, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Mallam Lawal Batagarawa, Chief Bode George, Mr. Peter Obi, and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

BURATAI DECLARES SUPPORT FOR ATIKU-OBI-AMAECHI OPPOSITION COALITION

CapitalTimesNews / 8 months

2 min read

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has announced his support for the opposition coalition formed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and one-time Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Buratai made the declaration at a press conference, commending the leaders for uniting despite their differences. “I want to commend the efforts of the opposition leaders, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Governor Rotimi Amaechi for their recent meeting in Abuja,” Buratai said. “Their decision to form a coalition is a significant step towards addressing the challenges we face as a nation. I believe this alliance is timely and necessary, especially in light of the current administration’s performance.” Buratai noted that this was the first time he would criticize President Bola Tinubu, whom he had previously supported, particularly in the area of security. He further noted that his criticism of the Tinubu-led administration stems from the administration’s underperformance, highlighting economic policies, insecurity, and governance as areas they have failed in. “The Atiku-Obi-Amaechi alliance represents a beacon of hope for many Nigerians who are disillusioned with the current state of affairs,” Buratai said. “Their commitment to unity and progress is commendable, and I urge all Nigerians to support this movement.” On the issue of insecurity, Buratai said more needs to be done to combat the hydra-headed monster. “While I acknowledge the efforts of the current administration in this regard, there is still much to be done. The recent increase in terrorist activities and the economic hardships faced by our people are interconnected issues that require immediate attention.”

FRESH ATTACK IN KATSINA:...

TROOPS DESTROY ISWAP DETENTION...

‘LIVINIG HISTORY ‘ TEXTBOOK...

SENATE MOVES TO INCREASE...

NIMET DEBUNKS ₦5TRN LOSS...

BESPOKE HOLDINGS MD OLATUNJI...

NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE AS OPPOSITION FACES EXISTENTIAL THREAT, ATIKU’S OFFICE WARNS

OPPOSITION LEADERS ACCUSE PRESIDENT TINUBU OF USING EFCC FOR POLITICAL PERSECUTION

BURATAI DECLARES SUPPORT FOR ATIKU-OBI-AMAECHI OPPOSITION COALITION

FRESH ATTACK IN KATSINA: OVER 20.

TROOPS DESTROY ISWAP DETENTION CAMPS DEEP.

‘LIVINIG HISTORY ‘ TEXTBOOK NOT APPROVED.

SENATE MOVES TO INCREASE FG’S REVENUE.

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