Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has raised alarms about the country’s political landscape, asserting that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming a one-party dictatorship.
He made this declaration during a statement commemorating the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary, urging opposition leaders to unite and form a coalition to avert this potential crisis.
Call for Unity Among Opposition Parties
Atiku’s statement emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among opposition parties to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. He remarked that the founding fathers of the nation made significant sacrifices to maintain unity, and it is now the responsibility of current leaders to uphold that vision. He stated, “Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual” 134.
Reflection on Nigeria’s Democratic Journey
In his message, Atiku reflected on Nigeria’s journey since gaining independence, noting that the country has experienced its longest period of democratic governance. However, he lamented the lack of progress in achieving political inclusivity and fair elections. He asserted, “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” 236.
Acknowledgment of National Resilience
Atiku also praised the resilience of Nigerians, stating that despite numerous challenges, the tenacity of citizens and support from international allies have strengthened the nation. He expressed pride in Nigeria’s achievements over 64 years but stressed that democracy must be protected from authoritarian tendencies under the current administration 134.
Urgent Call to Action
In closing, Atiku urged all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise against the looming threats to democracy. He warned that without a credible opposition capable of steering Nigeria towards a brighter future, the nation risks succumbing to authoritarianism. “Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship,” he cautioned
