As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a call to the nation’s political elite. He emphasized the urgent need for unity to protect the country’s democracy from the looming threat of authoritarianism. In a statement he personally authored, Atiku expressed concern over the current political climate, which he described as increasingly corrosive.
Atiku pointed out that opposition parties are currently weakened, while the ruling party seems to manipulate internal processes to render these parties ineffective. This situation has raised alarms about the state of democracy in Nigeria, which he believes is on the verge of becoming a one-party dictatorship.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) voiced his discontent with the political impasse, noting that it has become detrimental to the health of the nation’s democracy. He urged politicians and statesmen of integrity to take action and reclaim the democratic values that have been compromised.
Read also: Tinubu has ordered a low-key celebration for Independence
He highlighted the importance of fostering political inclusivity and ensuring that elections are genuinely free and fair. While acknowledging that democracy has helped establish institutions based on the rule of law, Atiku lamented that satisfactory progress has yet to be achieved in these areas.
Atiku called for a united effort among the political elite to embark on a noble mission to safeguard democracy. He referenced the unity of Nigeria’s founding fathers, who championed independence through peaceful activism, stressing that their collective endeavors should inspire current leaders.
Regrettably, he noted that the current political landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility. The influence of the ruling class has increasingly subjected the electoral process to their whims, undermining the democratic foundation of the nation.
Atiku warned that Nigeria is teetering on the brink of a one-party dictatorship. He reiterated the responsibility of politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise up and reclaim democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.
In conclusion, he called for a renewed commitment to the principles of democracy that have historically anchored Nigeria’s institutions. It is essential for the political elite to unite in this critical mission to preserve the nation’s democratic ideals for future generations.
