….ADC Presidential Candidate Alleges Systematic Assault on Democracy
…Urges Nigerians to Resist Authoritarian Tendencies Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Anthony Oboh
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of undermining the democratic ideals symbolised by the historic June 12 struggle, describing the current political climate as a threat to Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy.
In a Democracy Day statement personally signed by him and titled “June 12: On The March, Again,” Atiku said the actions and policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government contradict the spirit, sacrifices and legacy of the June 12 democratic struggle.
The former Vice President urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Democracy Day to stand against bad governance, reject political intimidation and resist what he described as democratic backsliding.
According to him, the significance of June 12 extends beyond a public holiday and should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless Nigerians in the struggle against military dictatorship.
“As Nigerians prepare to commemorate another Democracy Day on June 12, we do so under the darkening shadow of a systematic assault on the democratic space by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC administration,” Atiku stated.
He lamented that what should ordinarily be a celebration of freedom, constitutional governance and popular sovereignty has become an occasion for sober reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.
The ADC presidential candidate alleged that over the past three years, there had been deliberate efforts to weaken opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He claimed that opposition parties had been subjected to manufactured leadership crises, orchestrated defections, political intimidation and the abuse of state institutions.
Atiku further alleged that institutions expected to serve Nigerians impartially have increasingly become tools of partisan politics.
He specifically accused anti-corruption agencies, the police, the National Assembly and sections of the judiciary of being used to harass and intimidate opposition figures.
“The warning signs are everywhere. A shrinking civic space. A compromised electoral environment. The intimidation of opposition figures. The weaponisation of poverty. The weakening of democratic institutions,” he said.
The former Vice President also criticised provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, claiming they favour the ruling party and weaken democratic competition.
He expressed concern over what he described as growing attacks on freedom of speech, freedom of association and media independence.
According to him, such developments strike at the heart of democracy and run contrary to the values that inspired Nigerians to resist military rule.
Reflecting on his role in the democratic struggle, Atiku said he was not speaking as a distant observer but as someone who personally paid a heavy price in the fight for democracy.
He recalled resisting attempts to be co-opted into military rule and revealed that his businesses were confiscated during the struggle.
He further claimed that an assassination attempt was launched against him and members of his family in Kaduna, forcing him into exile.
Atiku also highlighted his role in the June 12, 1993 presidential election, stating that he stepped aside during the Social Democratic Party’s presidential primary to allow the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola to emerge as the party’s candidate.
He noted that the democratic system enjoyed today was won through sacrifice, courage and resistance rather than being freely handed over by military rulers.
The former Vice President paid tribute to heroes of the June 12 struggle, including the late Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
He said many journalists, students, activists, labour leaders and ordinary Nigerians also made sacrifices that paved the way for democratic governance.
Atiku warned that Nigeria now faces what he termed a new form of authoritarianism disguised within civilian rule.
According to him, unlike military dictatorships that relied on decrees and brute force, modern authoritarianism seeks legitimacy through institutions that have been weakened and captured.
“Its methods may be more sophisticated, but its objective is the same: the concentration of power, the silencing of dissent and the subversion of the will of the people,” he stated.
The ADC flag bearer expressed fears that the ruling party could manipulate the outcome of the 2027 elections if democratic institutions are not protected.
He stressed that Nigerians must remain vigilant to prevent any erosion of democratic freedoms.
Atiku insisted that the defence of democracy should not be viewed through partisan lenses but as a collective national responsibility.
He called on political parties, civil society organisations, labour unions, professional associations, youth groups and other stakeholders to unite in safeguarding constitutional democracy.
“We cannot celebrate the defeat of military dictatorship while tolerating the rise of civilian autocracy. We cannot honour the heroes of democracy while remaining silent as democratic institutions are weakened and captured,” he said.
The former Vice President reaffirmed his commitment to working with all Nigerians of goodwill to resist authoritarian tendencies and protect democratic values.
He concluded by urging citizens to draw inspiration from the courage of the June 12 heroes and remain steadfast in defending the nation’s democratic future.
“The struggle continues. And just as we marched before, we must be prepared to march again,” Atiku declared.
