Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s allegations that Nigeria’s democracy is in danger have been rejected by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which calls them humorous and alarmist.
On Tuesday, Abubakar warned that a de facto one-party state could result from the Tinubu administration’s intentional weakening of opposition parties and reduction of Nigeria’s political space through his spokesperson Paul Ibe.
In addition, he said that the Tinubu-led government has subjected Nigerians to nearly three years of extreme economic suffering as well as acts and policies that, in his opinion, compromise democratic principles.
The former vice president and his African Democratic Congress, or ADC, party were “afraid of their own shadows,” according to a statement released by Lagos State APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo on Thursday.
He emphasized that under President Tinubu, democratic institutions were operating regularly and encouraged the opposition to cease trying to gain significance by forecasting the demise of a democracy that has developed despite their “constant doomsday prophecies.”
Oladejo stated, “The opposition’s declining relevance is under threat, not Nigeria’s democracy.” “Democratic institutions have been operating as intended since May 29, 2023.”
“The legislature has exercised oversight, elections have been held, courts have resolved disputes, and citizens continue to enjoy constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.”
“The opposition has demonstrated, litigated, and spoken freely—hardly indications of a democracy under siege.”
Oladejo went on to say that internal conflicts and “inherent deceit” make the ADC more vulnerable.
He characterized the alliance as a precarious organization whose main goal is to become president, with leaders nursing personal entitlement and threatening disruption if their goals are not fulfilled.
“Unchecked ambition without ideology leads to an internal whirlwind that no political house built on sand can withstand,” he declared.
“Blaming the ruling party for the obvious desperation of ADC leaders, who already view the upcoming elections as their final opportunity on the national stage, is dishonest.”
He underlined that democracy does not fall apart because individual aspirations are not fulfilled and that winning and losing are essential components of the democratic process.
Oladejo claims that the ADC coalition “seems to have its expiration date engraved upon it.” Unfortunately, longevity does not seem to be a part of it.
“What we are seeing is not the defense of democracy, but the final upheaval of a political system held together by impatience, fear, and the waning influence of its key players.”
He confirmed the tenacity of Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that continuing reforms—while difficult—are based on the values of democratic accountability, the rule of law, and the constitution, which cannot be undone by those who have lost the trust of Nigerians.
Thus, we counsel Atiku Abubakar and his new political allies to face reality head-on. Nigeria is fearless.
“Democracy is not disintegrating. Only the opposition is afraid of its own shadow and the clear fact that Nigerians have moved on, according to Oladejo.
