Atiku warns against crackdown on opposition, slams police summon for El-Rufai

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and the presidential hopeful for the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, referred to the summons of ex-Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, along with leaders from the African Democratic Congress and the assault on ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, as well as the interruption of the Katsina Elders Forum security gathering, as a "coordinated and dangerous attack on opposing voices."

He expressed concern regarding what he views as increasing authoritarian behavior under President Bola Tinubu's government.

Atiku shared his thoughts in a statement on his official X account on Friday, cautioning that the recent events in Nigeria threaten the nation's democratic principles.

Part of his statement noted, "The occurrences in Kaduna, Katsina, and other regions reflect a disturbing shift towards authoritarianism with the Tinubu administration."

He emphasized that the summons of Nasir El-Rufai, the leaders of the ADC in Kaduna, the shocking attack on Abubakar Malami, and the violent interruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms should not be seen as separate events.

Rather, he believes they represent a coordinated and serious attack on civic freedoms, differing opinions, and the core of a diverse democracy.

Atiku highlighted the significance of embracing varied perspectives in a democratic framework.

"It is crucial to point out that dissent plays a key role in democracy. When the opposition is criminalized, reformist voices are targeted, and peaceful civic participation is weakened, the foundations of our Republic are compromised.

"No government that relies on intimidation and weaponizes security forces against those they view as threats can truly embody democratic values. If these oppressive trends persist, Nigeria risks drifting towards authoritarianism. We cannot afford to revert to a time defined by fear, silence, and lawlessness," he stated.

Furthermore, Atiku called on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in protecting democracy.

"I urge every Nigerian, from leaders to everyday citizens, to acknowledge the urgency of this situation. Safeguarding our democracy cannot rest solely on the opposition; it's a shared duty for all of us.

"Power is fleeting, but history will judge harshly those who use it against the people rather than for their benefit.

"Nigeria is a nation for everyone, not just the governing party or any single figure. We must not let the tenets of liberty, justice, and rule of law be compromised by partisan ambition," he added.

PUNCH Online has reported that Atiku’s remarks are in response to escalating tensions regarding the alleged employment of security forces to stifle opposition voices and civic assemblies in various parts of Northern Nigeria.

Recently, El-Rufai claimed that police obstructed a planned African Democratic Congress meeting in Kaduna, despite constitutional protections for freedom of association. Similarly, reports indicated that the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms was disrupted, and ex-Attorney General Malami faced an attack by suspected political thugs.