Atiku Cautions Against Opposition Crackdown, Criticizes Police Summon of El-Rufai
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the summons of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the attack on former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, and the disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum security meeting as “a coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices.”
He expressed concern over what he described as growing authoritarian tendencies under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku highlighted that these developments pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.
“The recent events in Kaduna, Katsina, and other areas highlight a troubling trend towards authoritarianism under the Tinubu administration,” Atiku said. “The summons of El-Rufai and ADC leaders in Kaduna, the attack on former Attorney General Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting are not isolated incidents. They signify a coordinated assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the very essence of democracy.”
He stressed the importance of protecting diverse opinions in a democratic society. “Dissent is vital to democracy. Criminalizing opposition, attacking reformist voices, and undermining peaceful civic engagement erode the foundations of our Republic. No government that resorts to intimidation and uses security agencies against perceived opponents can genuinely uphold democratic principles.”
Atiku urged Nigerians to collectively defend democracy. “Defending democracy cannot be the sole responsibility of the opposition; it is a national duty. Power is transient, but history will judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or any individual. We must not allow liberty, justice, and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation.”
His comments come amid rising concerns over the alleged use of security agencies to suppress opposition voices and civic gatherings in parts of Northern Nigeria. Recently, El-Rufai accused the police of stopping a scheduled ADC meeting in Kaduna despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of association. Similarly, the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms was reportedly disrupted, while former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami was attacked by suspected political thugs.
