Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarms about the future of Nigeria’s democracy, cautioning that the country may lose its democratic system if it continues on its current path. Speaking at a national conference in Abuja on January 27, Atiku expressed deep concerns regarding the state of governance, political parties, and the judiciary in the country. The event was organized by multiple organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, the Centre for Democracy and Development, and the National Peace Committee.
“We are at a crossroads in this democratic experiment,” Atiku warned. “We must choose whether to fully embrace democracy or abandon it entirely.” He particularly voiced concerns over the judiciary’s increasing involvement in political decisions, which, according to him, could undermine democratic values.
Atiku also criticized the shift of power from political parties to governance, stating, “Governance dictates to the political parties, whereas political parties should be directing governance.” He argued that political parties, as the link between the people and the government, should be the ones guiding governance, not the other way around.
In a shocking revelation, Atiku claimed that the current administration has been financially incentivizing opposition leaders. “I met with a political party leadership in the opposition, and they told me that this government gives them N50 million each,” he said. Atiku questioned the commitment of these opposition leaders to fight for democracy, implying that such financial incentives could compromise their integrity.
Further criticizing the National Assembly, Atiku doubted its willingness to adopt his recommended amendments to the Electoral Act, labeling it a “rubber stamp for the government.” He emphasized, however, that individual commitment to democracy is key to the country’s future. Drawing a comparison with Turkey’s electoral system, Atiku raised concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body, questioning its ability to ensure free and fair elections.
Atiku also warned that the country could be headed toward a collapse of its democracy if the “winning at all costs” mentality continues among ruling parties. He urged opposition leaders to unite and find a way out of the current situation, suggesting that without such efforts, Nigeria might face the same fate as the formation of the APC, where similar challenges once arose.
As he concluded, Atiku highlighted the critical role of party funding in strengthening political parties and ensuring a healthier democracy.