Atiku Authoritarianism Warning: Former VP says Tinubu’s government is attacking dissent, risking Nigeria’s democracy
Atiku Authoritarianism Warninghas sparked national debate after the former Vice President accused the Tinubu administration of suppressing dissent and endangering Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
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In a statement released via his official X account, Atiku Abubakar described recent actions against opposition figures as a “coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices.”
He condemned the police summons of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, the disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms, the attack on former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and actions taken against African Democratic Congress leaders.
“These are not isolated events,” Atiku stated. “They signify a troubling trend toward authoritarianism.”
The Atiku Authoritarianism Warning highlights growing fears about the alleged misuse of state security forces to silence critics and opposition groups.
He warned that criminalising peaceful civic engagement erodes democratic institutions and threatens national unity.
“No government that uses intimidation and security agencies as weapons against opponents can claim to uphold democratic values,” he said, urging Nigerians to stand united in defending civil liberties.
Atiku’s criticism follows reports that police disrupted the ADC’s scheduled meeting in Kaduna and shut down the Katsina Elders Forum’s dialogue on insecurity.
He called on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to resist the slide into authoritarianism.
“Power is transient,” Atiku warned, “but history will harshly judge those who use it to oppress rather than serve.”
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The Atiku Authoritarianism Warning serves as a call to action for defenders of democracy, raising questions about freedom of expression, political pluralism, and the role of security forces in Nigeria’s civic space.
