Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s democracy through what he described as a plot to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a statement issued by his media office on Saturday, Atiku said the reported move to remove the opposition party through the courts was part of a broader effort to suppress political opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, any attempt to reduce political competition or limit Nigerians’ choices at the polls poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but whose actions and those of his agents suggest otherwise,” Atiku said.
The former vice president warned that efforts to silence opposition voices could undermine the country’s democracy and create political instability, stressing that free, fair and credible elections remain the foundation of democratic rule.
He also urged President Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, noting that neither administration attempted to deregister opposition parties despite facing strong political competition.
“If you’re truly popular and your policies have improved the lives of Nigerians, you shouldn’t be afraid of free and fair competition,” he added.
Atiku further called on the judiciary to remain independent and resist political pressure, warning that the courts must never be used to advance partisan interests.
His comments followed Friday’s ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party, ordering that the matter be heard afresh with all necessary parties included.
The former vice president also reiterated the need for opposition parties, including supporters of Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other political leaders, to work together ahead of the 2027 elections.
