By Caleb Ishaya
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has described the summoning of a former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, leaders of African Democratic Congress, ADC, attack on former Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami, and the disruption of Katsina Elders Forum security meeting as a “coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices.”
He also raised alarm over what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies under the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku made this known in a statement posted on his official X account yesterday, warning that recent developments across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.
The statement partly reads, “The recent events in Kaduna, Katsina and other areas highlight a troubling trend towards authoritarianism under the Tinubu administration.
“The summoning of Mallam el-Rufai and leaders of the ADC in Kaduna, brazen attack on Malami and the violent disruption of Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not isolated incidents.
“Instead, they signify a coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices, civic freedom and the very essence of pluralistic democracy.”
He emphasised the importance of allowing diverse opinions in a democratic society.
“It is important to emphasise that dissent is vital to democracy. Criminalising opposition, attacking reformist voices and undermining peaceful civic engagement erode the foundations of our republic.
“No government that resorts to intimidation and uses security agencies as weapons against perceived opponents can genuinely uphold democratic principles.
“Without a doubt, Nigeria is dangerously close to slipping into authoritarian rule if these patterns of repression continue unabated. We cannot afford to return to an era marked by fear, silence and impunity,” he continued.
Atiku called on Nigerians across political divides to see the defence of democracy as a collective responsibility.
“I urge all Nigerians, both statesmen and citizens, to recognise the urgency of this moment. Defending our democracy cannot be the sole responsibility of the opposition; it is a collective national duty.
“Power is transient, but history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or a single individual. We must not allow the principles of liberty, justice and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation”, he added.
Atiku’s comments came amid rising tension over the alleged use of security agencies to suppress opposition voices and civic gatherings in parts of the north.
A few days ago, El-Rufai accused the police of stopping a scheduled African Democratic Congress meeting in Kaduna despite the constitutional freedom of association.
Similarly, Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms was reportedly disrupted, while a former AGF was said to have been attacked by suspected political thugs.
