Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Targeting Opposition, Cites Buhari and Jonathan as Models

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to take lessons from former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, stating that both leaders tolerated opposition parties throughout their administrations without seeking their deregistration.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate made the statement while condemning what he described as attempts to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) through the courts ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Atiku Media Office, Atiku warned that the alleged move could signal an attempt to establish a one-party system in Nigeria.

He argued that suppressing political opposition undermines democratic values and could reduce citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

According to the former vice president, Nigerians deserve the freedom to participate in transparent elections and elect leaders without undue interference.

Atiku claimed that the reported actions against the NDC were inconsistent with President Tinubu’s professed support for democracy.

The Waziri of Adamawa praised the late former President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing opposition parties to operate freely during his tenure, despite intense political competition.

He also cited former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that Jonathan consistently maintained that no political ambition should cost human lives.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku said.

He stressed that genuine democratic leadership requires tolerance for open political competition rather than attempts to weaken rival parties.

Atiku further called on members of the judiciary to defend the independence of the courts and resist political manipulation of the legal system.

He cautioned that the actions of a few judicial officers could negatively affect public trust in the judiciary and urged judges to uphold the rule of law.

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