Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent incidents in Kaduna, Katsina, and other parts of the country, describing them as a dangerous assault on civic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku’s reaction followed Thursday’s invitation of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai and seven leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by the Kaduna State Police Command over alleged conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance.
In a statement issued on Friday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faulted the police action, warning that such moves amount to an attempt to silence opposition voices.
He also pointed to the attack on former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of a meeting of the Katsina Elders Forum on security reforms as part of what he described as a disturbing pattern.
“These incidents are not isolated. They signify a coordinated assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the essence of pluralistic democracy,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President cautioned that criminalizing opposition activities and undermining civic engagement risk pushing Nigeria towards authoritarian rule.
He urged citizens to recognize the urgency of defending democratic values, stressing that safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy must be a shared responsibility.
