Atiku accuses Tinubu of desperation and undermining Nigeria’s democracy

DDM News

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of embodying desperation and turning the All Progressives Congress (APC) into an extension of his personal will.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku argued that President Tinubu is no longer the activist he once was, having abandoned the principles that shaped his political journey.

Atiku further contended that the APC has become a vehicle for Tinubu’s personal ambitions, with state institutions increasingly acting in accordance with his desires.

This statement from Atiku follows a response to the APC’s criticism of an allegation he made about the current administration.

Atiku had claimed that the Tinubu government paid ₦50 million to opposition parties in an attempt to buy their loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC had dismissed the claim as baseless, challenging Atiku to provide evidence to back up his statement.

However, Atiku maintained that he was simply speaking the truth and called on the APC, under Tinubu’s leadership, to cease undermining the democratic process by attempting to create a one-party state.

Atiku’s statement also sought to highlight the growing concentration of power in the hands of the president and his loyalists.

According to Atiku, the president has systematically placed his supporters in key state institutions, consolidating his control over the nation’s political landscape.

This, Atiku argued, is a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity, as it erodes pluralism and undermines the autonomy of opposition factions.

During a national conference organized by the Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja, Atiku warned that the actions of the ruling APC were steadily diminishing the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

The conference, which aimed to promote discussions on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system, was intended to provide a platform for civil society organizations and political leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Atiku, whose political acumen and statesmanship are well-regarded, was invited as a key participant.

At the conference, Atiku raised concerns about the APC’s growing monopoly on power and its efforts to weaken opposition voices.

He accused the ruling party of undermining the diversity that is critical to a healthy democracy.

However, rather than responding with a thoughtful discussion on these issues, the APC, led by Tinubu, resorted to personal attacks against Atiku, according to the former vice president’s statement.

Atiku described these attacks as a reflection of a party struggling with credibility issues and increasingly paranoid about any form of criticism.

In his response, Atiku argued that the desperation now displayed by Tinubu was evident in his actions.

He noted that the president has blurred the lines between state authority and personal ambition, giving him unchecked control over both Nigeria’s institutions and its political affairs.

Atiku pointed out that the APC has transformed into little more than a tool for Tinubu’s personal desires, rather than functioning as a political party representing diverse interests.

Atiku’s remarks suggest that Nigeria is witnessing the erosion of its democratic values as the ruling party strengthens its grip on power.

The former vice president also lamented the irony of President Tinubu’s political journey.

Atiku observed that Tinubu, who once championed civil activism and advocated for democratic renewal, now seems to oppose the very principles that were central to his rise in politics.

Atiku described this shift as tragic, warning that it could have dire consequences for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

He further pointed out that Tinubu’s actions to weaken opposition parties and concentrate power in the hands of his supporters represent a dangerous departure from the democratic ideals the country once held dear.

Atiku’s concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy are not without merit.

He was one of the first to call attention to President Tinubu’s alleged attempts to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by appointing individuals with ties to the ruling party.

Atiku argued that such efforts were a blatant attempt to manipulate the electoral process and undermine the independence of the commission.

Today, many observers see Atiku’s warnings as prescient, as there are growing concerns over the impartiality of INEC under the current administration.

In his statement, Atiku also criticized President Tinubu for prioritizing personal interests over national concerns.

He accused the president of using his position to benefit his family and close associates, citing the awarding of lucrative contracts to companies with direct ties to Tinubu’s relatives.

Atiku expressed alarm over what he saw as the president’s authoritarian tendencies, warning that this could lead to the suppression of fundamental human rights.

He pointed out that Tinubu’s administration had charged protesters with treason, a tactic that reminded Atiku of the repressive regimes of the past.

Atiku further cautioned that the current administration’s efforts to stifle political opposition would lead to the demise of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

According to Atiku, opposition parties are now fighting for survival, with infiltrators working within their ranks to ensure that no political force, whether the APC or the opposition, operates independently of the president’s control.

This infiltration, Atiku claimed, would ultimately leave Nigerians with no viable political alternatives.

Additionally, Atiku raised concerns about the growing influence of the APC within INEC, warning that the party’s increasing control over the commission would undermine the credibility of future elections.

He pointed to the president’s appointments within INEC as part of a broader effort to ensure that elections are conducted in favor of the ruling party, further eroding the independence of democratic institutions in Nigeria.

Atiku’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by a concentrated and unchecked exercise of power.

He called on President Tinubu and the APC to reconsider their actions before the nation is further entrenched in a path of authoritarianism.

According to Atiku, the president and his party must recognize the negative impact their actions are having on Nigeria’s democracy and take immediate steps to restore integrity to the political system.

The former vice president’s warnings reflect a deep concern for the future of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Atiku’s remarks resonate with many who fear that the current administration’s disregard for pluralism and democratic values could lead the country down a dangerous path.

While the APC and its supporters continue to defend the president’s actions, Atiku’s critique highlights the growing concerns over the erosion of democracy in Nigeria.

Atiku concluded his statement with a call for the ruling party to face the truth and recognize the impact of their actions on the country’s political landscape.

He urged the APC to take responsibility for their role in undermining the nation’s democratic institutions and to work toward restoring a functioning, pluralistic democracy in Nigeria.

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