As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the political elite to unite in protecting the nation’s democracy from the “precipice of authoritarianism.”
In a statement he personally signed, Atiku noted that the ongoing political impasse has become “corrosive,” with opposition parties weakened and the ruling party seemingly manipulating internal processes to render them ineffective.
The former Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election lamented that Nigeria is perilously close to becoming a one-party dictatorship. He called on “politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.”
“At a time when democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to make satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring genuinely free and fair elections,” he stated.
He implored the political elite to “unite in a noble mission to safeguard our democracy from the precipice of authoritarianism.”
“Our founding fathers came together under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful political activism. What we celebrate today is the result of their collective efforts and those of subsequent generations.”
Atiku lamented that the current political landscape reflects a disturbing decline in electoral credibility, increasingly subjected to the whims of the ruling class.
“Our political environment has grown toxic; opposition parties struggle in weakness, while the ruling party seems to manipulate internal processes to trivialize them.”
“Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is essential for all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression,” he declared.
He also appealed to political leaders across all party lines to form a powerful coalition, capable of providing Nigerians with a credible opposition and steering the nation toward a brighter future.
In his congratulatory message to Nigerians “on the momentous occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary,” Atiku emphasized the need for a “united effort to elevate the country to the greatness envisioned by its esteemed founders.”
He stressed that this milestone is more than a commemoration; it is a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of Nigerians who steadfastly believe in their homeland’s potential.
“Our nation has navigated 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,” he said.
