A. Abubakar,has voiced his concern over the perceived drift towards authoritarianism

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has voiced his concern over the perceived drift towards authoritarianism under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement, Abubakar cited several recent incidents that he believes are indicative of a broader assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the fundamental principles of democracy. These incidents include the police invitations extended to Nasir el-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as well as the attack on the convoy of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General, and the disruption of a Katsina Elders Forum meeting focused on security reforms.

Abubakar emphasized the importance of dissent in a healthy democratic system, warning against the criminalization of opposition, the targeting of reformist voices, and the undermining of peaceful civic engagement. He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and protect the democratic values that the country has worked to establish, stressing that the defense of democracy is a collective duty of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. The former Vice President cautioned that the misuse of power and the erosion of democratic norms can have severe consequences for the nation's future, and that history will not look kindly upon those who use their position to suppress others.

Abubakar's statement serves as a call to action for all Nigerians to safeguard the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law. His concerns reflect a growing unease among opposition figures and civil society groups regarding the state of democracy in the country. As a presidential aspirant, Abubakar's warning underscored the need for collective vigilance in protecting Nigeria's democratic institutions and ensuring that the country remains a beacon of hope and freedom for its citizens. By speaking out against the perceived assault on democracy, Abubakar has reiterated the importance of upholding the values of democratic governance and the need for all Nigerians to work together in defense of their democratic rights.