Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current political landscape, warning that the country is at risk of sliding into a one-party system. In a statement commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary on Tuesday, Atiku urged the political elite to come together to protect the nation’s democracy.
“Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression,” Atiku said.
He lamented the weakening of opposition parties and accused the ruling party of manipulating internal processes to stifle their effectiveness. “Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual,” he added.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), called for a unified effort across political lines to form a credible opposition capable of steering the nation toward a more promising future. He emphasized that the erosion of electoral credibility, increasingly manipulated by those in power, threatens the democratic fabric of the nation.
The former vice president also extended his congratulations to Nigerians on the occasion of the 64th Independence anniversary, describing the milestone as a tribute to the “indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve” of the people.
“Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity,” Atiku remarked, calling for a united effort to elevate Nigeria to the greatness envisioned by its founders.
