Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President, has emphasized that the salvation of Nigeria lies in the unity of opposition political parties in the forthcoming general elections, as this is the only way to dislodge the ruling party.
The 2023 elections saw leading political figures running independently, resulting in a division of votes. This division, according to numerous analysts and candidates, paved an easy path for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to claim victory.
Abubakar reiterated this viewpoint on Friday, advocating for a consolidated opposition following the Supreme Court’s decision on the 2023 elections.
In his congratulatory message to the people of Senegal and Bassirou Diomaye, whose triumph has been echoing globally and regionally, Abubakar dismissed the idea of a military interregnum.
He stated that the Senegalese election “provides optimism for the future of constitutional democracy in the region.”
He further added, “The Senegal experience offers a significant lesson for us in Nigeria and beyond. It reaffirms that democracy, rooted in the supremacy of the ballot, is the optimal form of government.”
Abubakar, who has been a presidential candidate in more than half of the elections since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, also noted that “It is feasible for the electoral body to conduct an election based on the law and its guidelines, instilling confidence in all parties and voters.”
Reflecting on the past, he said, “Our experiences in both 2019 and 2023 clearly demonstrate that INEC fell short of this expectation.”
He pointed out that “In contrast, in Senegal, the reactions of the key players and the citizens validate the election process that led to the election of President-elect Bassirou Diomaye.”
He emphasized that “It’s crucial to recognize that last Sunday’s election in Senegal mirrors the trend in Nigeria in 2015, where the opposition can indeed triumph in an election overseen by the ruling party.”
He concluded by aligning with his consistent call for opposition parties to form a strong coalition capable of defeating the ruling party if there is any hope of salvaging Nigeria.
“Congratulations to President-elect Faye. I hope and pray that your election will not only bring immense benefits to the people of Senegal but also serve as an inspiration to the rest of us in the West African subregion,” Abubakar said.
