As Nigerians marked 26 years of democratic governance on June 12, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar issued a stern warning, alleging that the current administration is steering the country away from its democratic path.
In a statement commemorating Democracy Day, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of abandoning responsible leadership in favor of authoritarian control.
“The Nigeria of today stands at a dangerous crossroads,” Atiku stated. “What should be a celebration of hard-earned freedom has instead become a moment of reckoning.”
He described the current state of governance as one that prioritizes dominance over democratic engagement, alleging that the federal government is systematically silencing opposition voices and monopolizing public institutions for personal gain.
According to Atiku, major government contracts are being handed to allies and associates of the presidency, while national institutions are being repurposed to reflect the personal image of current leadership—a move he likened to turning the nation into private property.
“This is not governance,” he said. “It is conquest.”
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, which commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election and the sacrifices made by democracy advocates, Atiku paid tribute to late figures such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. He also recalled his own decision to step aside for the late Chief MKO Abiola in a show of national unity.
“The Nigerian people bore the brunt of the fight for democracy,” he said. “It is their struggle and sacrifice that we honor—not the self-serving antics of today’s leaders.”
Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the “weaponization” of government institutions and policies that are designed to control rather than empower citizens. He said the current administration has placed the average Nigerian at the margins while ensuring the comfort of the elite class.
Calling on Nigerians to reflect on the original ideals of June 12, he emphasized that the country is once again at a critical juncture.
“We must choose: democratic renewal or a descent into despotism,” he urged.
As discontent grows over economic hardship and political repression, Atiku’s Democracy Day remarks serve as a call to action, a reminder that democracy requires more than elections. It demands accountability, inclusion, and an unwavering commitment to the people.
