He noted that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state with dictatorship, under the current President Bola Tinubu-led government.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed fears that Nigeria is on the brink of a one-party state dictatorship.
This is even as he called on stakeholders in the country such as politicians, statesmen, and other stakeholders to take action and reclaim Nigeria’s democracy from the looming threats of oppression.
He stated this during his Independence Day message to Nigerians on Monday.
He noted that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state with dictatorship, under the current President Bola Tinubu-led government.
The former Vice President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating internal processes to render the opposition parties ineffective.
“Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual.
“Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.”
The statement added, “Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity.
“On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, we take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria, highlighted by the longest period of democratic governance in our history.
“While democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.”
“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavours and those of subsequent generations, “Atiku noted.
Nigeria will celebrate its 64th anniversary on Tuesday, October 1.