As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the political elite to come together and protect the nation’s democracy from the brink of authoritarianism.
In a statement he personally signed, Atiku pointed out that the political deadlock in the country has become damaging, noting that opposition parties are struggling, while the ruling party seems to be manipulating internal processes to weaken them.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate from the last election expressed concern that Nigeria is nearing a one-party dictatorship. He urged “politicians and statesmen of integrity to step up and reclaim our democracy from the looming shadows of oppression.”
The opposition leader said, “while democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.”
He urged the political elite to “come together in a noble mission to protect our democracy from the brink of authoritarianism.”
“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations.”
He noted that regrettably the current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly subject to the caprices of the ruling class.
“Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual.
“Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression,” Atiku declared.
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He also called on political leaders from all parties to create a strong coalition that would offer Nigerians a credible opposition capable of guiding the nation toward a brighter future.
The former Vice President congratulated Nigerians “on the momentous occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary” and urged a “united effort to elevate the country to the greatness envisioned by its esteemed founders.”
Atiku stressed that this milestone is not just a celebration but a tribute to the resilient spirit and unwavering determination of Nigerians who firmly believe in the potential of their homeland.
“Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity,” he said.
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