Former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku has predicted that Nigeria will dangerously slip into authoritarian rule if the pattern of repression of voices of dissent under President Bola Tinubu APC led administration continue unabated.
He made the remarks in response to the summons of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and leaders of the ADC in Kaduna for allegedly inciting violence in the State and the recent brazen attack on on former Attorney General of the federation, Abubakar Malami’s convoy by political thugs Kebbi in Kebbi State.
Atiku lamented what he termed “the brazen attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not isolated incidents”.
The former Vice President in a statement posted on his social media accounts, Friday September 5th 2025, urge all Nigerians, both statesmen and citizens, to recognize the urgency of this moment. Defending our democracy cannot be the sole responsibility of the opposition; it is a collective national duty.
He also reminded the ruling class power is transient, but history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service”.
“Criminalizing opposition, attacking reformist voices, and undermining peaceful civic engagement erode the foundations of our Republic”, according to the ex-Vice President.
“No government that resorts to intimidation and uses security agencies as weapons against perceived opponents can genuinely uphold democratic principles”, Atiku said, we (Nigeria) cannot afford to return to an era marked by fear, silence, and impunity”.
The recent events in Kaduna, Katsina, and other areas highlight a troubling trend towards authoritarianism under the Tinubu administration.
The summons of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and leaders of the ADC in Kaduna, the brazen attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not isolated incidents.
“Instead, they signify a coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the very essence of pluralistic democracy.
“It is important to emphasize that dissent is vital to democracy. Criminalizing opposition, attacking reformist voices, and undermining peaceful civic engagement erode the foundations of our Republic.
“No government that resorts to intimidation and uses security agencies as weapons against perceived opponents can genuinely uphold democratic principles.
“Without a doubt, Nigeria is dangerously close to slipping into authoritarian rule if these patterns of repression continue unabated. We cannot afford to return to an era marked by fear, silence, and impunity.
“I urge all Nigerians, both statesmen and citizens, to recognize the urgency of this moment. Defending our democracy cannot be the sole responsibility of the opposition; it is a collective national duty. Power is transient, but history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or any single individual. We must not allow the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation”, Atiku said.
