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

Atiku Abubakar, who was the Vice President and ran for president with the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, labeled the summons of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the leaders of the African Democratic Congress, the assault on former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and the interruption of the Katsina Elders Forum's security meeting as a “coordinated and dangerous attack on opposing views.”

He expressed concern about what he sees as increasing authoritarian behavior within President Bola Tinubu's administration.

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

Part of his statement noted, “The events occurring in Kaduna, Katsina, and elsewhere point to a worrying move towards authoritarianism during the Tinubu government.

“The summons of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and ADC leaders in Kaduna, the fierce attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not standalone cases.

“They represent a combined and severe attack on dissenting voices, civic rights, and the core values of democracy.”

He stressed the necessity of encouraging different viewpoints in a democratic society.

“It is vital to recognise that dissent plays a crucial role in democracy. Criminalising opposition, targeting reform-minded individuals, and undermining peaceful civic involvement weaken the core of our Republic.

“A government that uses intimidation and leverages security forces against perceived enemies cannot genuinely support democratic ideals.”