Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi warn of looming threats to Nigeria’s democracy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other prominent figures, has raised alarms about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, cautioning that the country could lose its democratic foundation if current trends persist.

Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, held in Abuja and organized by several civil society organizations, Atiku highlighted systemic challenges undermining Nigeria’s democracy. He warned that judicial decisions, rather than voters’ choices, increasingly determine election outcomes, a trend he described as dangerous.

Atiku: Democracy at a Crossroads

Atiku lamented the shift in power dynamics, stating that governance now dictates political party activities, a reversal of the traditional democratic process. He also criticized the National Assembly, describing it as overly compliant with the executive arm of government.

He called for urgent reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act, although he expressed doubt about the willingness of the current National Assembly to adopt his recommendations.

Atiku also accused the government of bribing opposition party leaders with ₦50 million each to weaken political resistance. He urged Nigerians to rise to the occasion, emphasizing the need for a united opposition to protect democracy.

El-Rufai: National Emergency for Opposition

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai echoed Atiku’s sentiments, describing the state of governance and the opposition as a “national emergency.”

He alleged deliberate attempts to destroy opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, and called for a broad coalition of opposition groups to resist authoritarian tendencies.

El-Rufai warned that apathy among voters poses a significant threat, citing a poll indicating that 75% of registered voters may abstain from voting in 2027.

He appealed for renewed commitment to preserving democracy, emphasizing the need for internal reforms within opposition parties.

Amaechi: Democracy Requires Sacrifice

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi underscored the importance of collective action to defend democracy. He recounted instances where public resistance influenced electoral outcomes, urging Nigerians to actively safeguard their votes.

“Power is not given but fought for,” Amaechi said, adding that democracy requires courage and sacrifice to confront entrenched political interests.

APC Responds with Silence

Efforts to obtain reactions from the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were unsuccessful. However, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.

Shettima acknowledged imperfections in Nigeria’s democracy but maintained that it remains the best system of governance. He pledged efforts to address economic challenges, enhance security, and bolster the judiciary’s independence.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the calls for unity among opposition parties and reforms in the political system highlight the challenges facing the country’s democracy.

With key stakeholders raising concerns about voter apathy, internal party weaknesses, and governance issues, the path forward will require bold action from all political actors.