Atiku, Obi Raise Alarm Over Nigeria’s Failing Democracy

Prominent opposition leaders, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, have sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of undermining the democratic ideals symbolized by June 12.

In separate Democracy Day messages on Thursday, both figures painted a bleak portrait of Nigeria’s current political and economic state, warning that the nation is drifting away from genuine democracy. They accused the government of rolling back hard-earned democratic gains, silencing critical voices, manipulating public sentiment, and leaning toward authoritarianism.

Atiku did not mince words, describing the Tinubu administration as representing “the lowest ebb in our democratic journey.” He lamented that the vision and sacrifices of June 12—a day commemorated for its stand against military dictatorship—were being eroded by what he termed a “creeping one-party rule,” where governance has given way to domination rather than service.

Obi echoed similar concerns, highlighting a disconnect between the government and the people, and calling for a national recommitment to the principles of justice, transparency, and inclusive leadership that June 12 stands for.

Their remarks reflect growing unease within Nigeria’s political opposition, as well as broader concerns about democratic backsliding under the current administration.

He lamented that the democratic progress which began in 1999 was now gradually being undone.

“Thirty-two years ago, Nigeria stood on the cusp of greatness. The winds of democratic change were sweeping through Africa, and all eyes turned to our nation with hope, hope that Nigeria would rise as a beacon of liberty, justice, and self-determination.

“I was privileged to be an active participant in that defining chapter, which culminated in a historic election that captured the imagination of the world and reshaped our political destiny. It was a moment of great promise and great sacrifice.

“The political class made painful compromises, but it was the Nigerian people who bore the heaviest burden.

“They yearned for a new democratic order, and many paid dearly for it.

“I, too, made my fair share of sacrifices, most notably setting aside my own presidential ambition in deference to the late Chief MKO Abiola, a gesture made in faith and fidelity to a higher national cause.”

He paid tribute to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle to establish democracy in Nigeria, expressing sorrow that their legacy appeared to be increasingly undermined.

He noted that others had given far more, citing the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Tafida Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Alfred Rewane as courageous patriots who had laid down their lives in pursuit of a freer and more just Nigeria. According to him, their sacrifices were permanently etched in the national memory and must never be forgotten.

Reflecting on the state of the nation’s democracy, he lamented that the gains of June 12 had not been handed over freely but had been hard-fought. However, he expressed regret that the democratic promise that had begun to flourish in 1999 was now being slowly and deliberately dismantled before the public’s eyes.

Africa Today News, New York