Abuja, January 7, 2026 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a stark warning that Nigeria's democracy faces an "existential threat," accusing President Bola Tinubu's administration of systematically weakening opposition parties to pave the way for a de facto one-party state. In a strongly worded statement released on January 6, 2026, through his media aide Paul Ibe, Atiku highlighted nearly three years of economic hardship and political maneuvers that he claims are eroding democratic space.
Atiku described the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government's strategy as a combination of "punishing economic policies" and deliberate efforts to eliminate viable opposition, resulting in dominance "by default, not by merit." He emphasized that democracy cannot thrive without strong alternatives, stating, "The systematic weakening of opposition platforms represents a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic future." The former vice president alleged that forces aligned with the Presidency are interfering in the internal affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including speculation and pressure over its presidential candidate selection.
Dismissing calls from some quarters—particularly supporters of Peter Obi—for him to step aside in the ADC's 2027 presidential race, Atiku labeled such demands "irresponsible and anti-democratic." "Any call, overt or covert, for Atiku to ‘step aside’ is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people," the statement read. He reaffirmed the ADC's commitment to an "open, transparent, and competitive process" for selecting its flagbearer, insisting no external interference would be tolerated.
Atiku pointed to the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu as a significant boost for the opposition. Obi, who defected from the Labour Party in late December 2025 alongside other Southeast leaders, cited the need to "rescue Nigeria" from APC governance. Atiku welcomed this move, noting it has triggered "panic" within the ruling party, with boasts from a serving minister and presidential aides about undermining the ADC. "The rising acceptance of the ADC as a credible alternative has unsettled those who benefit from the status quo," he said.
In a pointed counter, Atiku argued that if anyone should step aside for the national interest, it is President Tinubu, whom he described as a "growing national liability" amid worsening economic conditions, rising inflation, insecurity, and public frustration. The statement urged Nigerians to mobilize and prepare for the 2027 elections to "vote out hunger, insecurity, unemployment, dishonesty, and impunity."
The ADC's focus, according to Atiku, remains on grassroots strengthening, building structures at ward, local government, and state levels nationwide. He stressed the party's openness to genuine opposition figures, viewing inclusiveness as core to democracy, and assured that all qualified aspirants can contest freely when the time comes.
This statement comes amid intensifying efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of 2027. The ADC has emerged as a potential platform following Obi's high-profile defection, which fractured the Labour Party and reshaped alliances. However, internal factional disputes within the ADC have surfaced, with some rejecting Obi's registration as irregular.
Political analysts interpret Atiku's remarks as a defense of his presidential ambitions while rallying support against perceived APC tactics, such as judicial interventions and inducements leading to defections. The opposition's unity is seen as crucial given the APC's control of the presidency, National Assembly majority, and most governorships.
Civil society and commentators have echoed concerns over shrinking democratic space, citing media restrictions, arrests of critics, and economic policies exacerbating inequality. Atiku's vow to resist "intimidation, intrigue, and sabotage" signals a determined pushback, with the ADC positioned as a "national rescue" vehicle.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges—including fuel subsidy removal effects and naira volatility—opposition voices like Atiku's amplify calls for change. The 2027 race is already heating up, with regional dynamics, youth mobilization (via Obidients), and northern influence (Atiku's base) likely to shape outcomes.
Atiku concluded by assuring that the ADC and patriots will not allow Nigeria's democracy to be surrendered, urging vigilance and participation to preserve multi-party competition.
This development underscores deepening polarization, with the opposition framing the Tinubu era as authoritarian-leaning, while the APC dismisses such claims as sour grapes from perennial losers. The coming months will test the ADC's cohesion and ability to mount a credible challenge.
