Allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have issued a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that it is eroding Nigeria’s democratic principles through political interference and unethical governance. In a statement released on Wednesday, Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, accused the Tinubu government of prioritizing personal and partisan interests over the nation’s democratic principles.
The statement highlighted concerns about the Tinubu administration’s alleged efforts to compromise the independence of key institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ibe claimed that the president has been appointing loyalists to strategic positions within INEC, raising fears about the potential manipulation of future electoral processes.
“Atiku Abubakar was among the first to warn about President Tinubu’s attempts to place members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in INEC. These actions now threaten the credibility of our electoral system,” Ibe stated. He also accused the administration of awarding government contracts to firms with close ties to Tinubu’s family, alleging conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency.
The allegations follow Atiku’s recent remarks at a civil society conference, where he accused the APC-led government of offering financial inducements to opposition leaders to destabilize their parties. Atiku claimed that sums as high as N50 million were being used to weaken opposition structures.
In response, Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, dismissed the accusations, attributing the internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Atiku’s own political maneuvers. However, Ibe countered, asserting that the APC is systematically working to undermine opposition parties. “There is a deliberate strategy to ensure that no political entity, whether within or outside the APC, operates independently of the president’s agenda,” he said.
The statement also raised alarms about what it described as authoritarian tendencies within the Tinubu administration. Ibe pointed to the criminalization of protests and the use of treason charges against demonstrators as evidence of a growing crackdown on dissent. “Using state power to suppress opposition and silence critics is a hallmark of autocratic regimes. These actions endanger Nigeria’s democratic future,” he warned.
Critics have noted a stark contrast between Tinubu’s early reputation as a pro-democracy advocate and his current leadership style, which they argue prioritizes power consolidation over democratic values. Ibe emphasized this shift, describing it as a troubling development for Nigeria’s political landscape.
“It is deeply ironic that a leader who once fought for democratic renewal is now overseeing policies that undermine multi-party democracy. This transformation from a pro-democracy figure to a leader focused on consolidating power is both alarming and detrimental to the nation’s progress,” Ibe stated.
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As political tensions intensify, the future of Nigeria’s democracy remains a topic of intense debate. With recent developments under careful observation, there is a growing call for greater transparency and accountability to safeguard the nation’s democratic system. Allegations from Atiku’s supporters underscore the deepening rift within Nigeria’s political landscape, raising significant concerns about the direction of governance and the country’s democratic stability.
