2027 Election: Atiku Accuses Tinubu’s Government Of Undermining Democracy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a Democracy Day statement in Abuja, alleging deliberate efforts to weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections. He described June 12—a day celebrating democratic governance—as a moment for reflection on the erosion of democratic ideals, including targeted harassment of opposition parties through financial agencies, police, and judicial interference. Atiku claimed the ruling party has manipulated state institutions to suppress dissent, citing orchestrated defections and misuse of agencies like the police and National Assembly. He also criticized the Electoral Act 2026, accusing it of containing provisions that favor the ruling party while restricting freedoms of speech, association, and media independence. The former vice president highlighted his personal sacrifices in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, including confiscation of businesses, an assassination attempt, and exile. He referenced the annulled 1993 election and the sacrifices of figures like MKO Abiola, calling for unity to defend constitutional democracy. Atiku warned of a ‘civilian authoritarian order,’ where institutions are captured to legitimize control rather than ruled by brute force. He identified shrinking civic space, electoral manipulation, and intimidation as signs of democratic decline, urging collaboration with civil society, labor unions, and youth groups to protect Nigeria’s democracy. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate stressed that the 2027 elections must not be undermined, emphasizing that democracy was secured through sacrifice, not handed down by leaders. He called for national unity to resist what he described as an emerging threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.