Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the government of systematically undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations and stifling political opposition.
The statement, issued on Saturday, follows a significant legal setback for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). On Friday, a Federal High Court in Lokoja, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, vacated its own December 10, 2025, judgment which had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Dashen’s ruling was prompted by an application from the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which argued that its interests were adversely affected by the original judgment. The court held that the PMP which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC was a necessary party that should have been joined in the initial suit. Consequently, the judge declared the previous proceedings “constitutionally defective” and ordered a return to the status quo ante, directing that the substantive case be heard afresh with all relevant stakeholders present.
Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar asserted that the maneuverings surrounding the NDC case are indicative of a broader attempt by President Tinubu to consolidate power and push Nigeria toward a one-party state.
“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” Atiku stated.
The former Vice-President, who is himself seeking the presidency in 2027, argued that any move to limit political competition or restrict voters’ choices poses an existential threat to the nation. He drew parallels between the current climate and the military era, suggesting that the President has abandoned the democratic ideals he once championed.
Atiku further urged the judiciary to maintain its independence in the face of political pressure, warning that public confidence in the institution could be irrevocably damaged if the courts are seen as instruments of political suppression.
“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” he remarked. He called upon President Tinubu to emulate his predecessors, such as Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, whom he credited with refraining from the deregistration or suppression of opposition parties despite intense political rivalries.
The court’s decision to mandate a fresh hearing leaves the immediate registration status of the NDC in limbo, further intensifying the atmosphere of uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leave a comment