Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is bribing opposition leaders with N50 million each to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy, organized by various civic organizations in Abuja on Monday, Atiku warned that the nation’s democracy is on the brink of collapse unless urgent measures are taken.
“I want to say it here publicly,” Atiku stated. “I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each.
If we are not careful, some of you here, who we are talking to, are recipients of the N50 million from the APC government.
Do we really want to fight for democracy?”
Atiku expressed concern over the erosion of democratic values, labeling the current National Assembly as a “rubber stamp” for the government.
He also questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral commission, citing Turkey’s electoral body as an example of integrity for refusing to declare a president-elect who did not meet the required vote threshold.
He called for unity among opposition parties, reflecting on his decades-long struggle for democracy. Atiku recounted personal sacrifices, including an attempt on his life, the seizure of his businesses, and a period of exile.
“If we don’t unite and take action, we may end up with no democracy at all. God forbid,” he warned.
