Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over the potential erosion of Nigeria’s democracy, cautioning that the nation’s current trajectory could jeopardize the democratic gains it has achieved. Speaking in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy, organized by multiple organizations including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Atiku urged Nigerians to make a critical decision about the nation’s democratic future.
“We are at a crossroads in this democratic experiment,” Atiku stated, lamenting the increasing influence of courts in deciding electoral outcomes. He criticized governance for dictating the direction of political parties, arguing that political parties should instead guide governance, as they directly interact with citizens during campaigns.
Atiku highlighted the importance of legislative reforms, emphasizing that the National Assembly must play a proactive role in safeguarding democracy. However, he expressed skepticism about the current assembly’s ability to implement necessary changes, describing it as a “rubber stamp” for the government.
Citing Turkey as an example, Atiku pointed to the credibility of its electoral system, where the electoral body refused to declare President Recep Erdogan a winner when he failed to meet the constitutional requirement of 50% of the votes. He questioned whether Nigeria’s electoral institutions could demonstrate similar integrity.
Atiku further alleged that the current government has been undermining opposition parties by inducing their leaders with financial incentives. “I met with an opposition party leadership, and they told me this government gives them N50 million each,” he disclosed, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to democracy.
According to Daily Trust reports, The former VP also alleged that the present government had been inducing opposition party leaders. “I want to say it here publicly. I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each.”
The former vice president called for unity among opposition parties to resist the “winning at all costs” mentality of the ruling party. He also emphasized the need for better party funding to strengthen political structures and ensure accountability. “If we are not careful, we may end up with no democracy at all. God forbid,” he warned.
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