Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system, warning against what he describes as deliberate efforts by the current administration to weaken opposition parties and create a de facto one-party dominance.
In recent statements, Atiku declared that he and other opposition leaders “shall never ever stand idle” while any plan to turn Nigeria into a one-party state is pursued. He accused certain leaders of attempting to limit political competition, shrink the democratic space, and eliminate viable alternatives ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls.
Speaking during interactions, including a visit to former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, Atiku stated: “There is a deliberate and calculated attempt to foist a one-party rule in this country, but we’ll make sure Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy.” He emphasized that freedom of choice is the lifeblood of democracy, and any move to stifle opposition voices risks sliding the country into dictatorship.
Atiku, who has aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside other prominent figures like Peter Obi and Senator David Mark, has repeatedly raised alarms over actions he believes are aimed at destabilizing opposition platforms. These include alleged interference in opposition parties, defections of governors and politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and concerns over recent electoral amendments.
The former PDP presidential candidate insisted that Nigerians must actively resist any erosion of pluralism, urging citizens to reclaim and protect the country’s democratic gains. He positioned the emerging opposition coalition as a bulwark against what he calls a creeping threat to democratic accountability.
This latest stance comes amid ongoing political realignments as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with Atiku vowing not to step aside in the race for the ADC presidential ticket and continuing to challenge perceived threats to multiparty competition.
The Presidency and APC have previously dismissed such claims as “blackmail” and political rhetoric, insisting there is no agenda to establish a one-party state and that opposition parties remain free to operate.
The development highlights the intensifying political temperature in Nigeria as key players position themselves for the coming electoral cycle.
