posted 18th February 2025
Atiku Abubakar Condemns APC’s Alleged Subversion of Democracy in Osun State
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned what he describes as a blatant attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine democracy in Osun State. In a scathing statement, Atiku accused the Tinubu-led APC government of orchestrating a violent assault on the democratic process in a desperate bid to retain power at all costs.
Atiku detailed how the APC allegedly deployed armed thugs and mercenaries to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats in Osun State. According to him, this was a premeditated move to hijack the local government elections through brute force, rather than the will of the electorate. He lamented that while these events unfolded, the national leadership of the APC and the presidency remained silent, effectively endorsing the actions through inaction.
However, Atiku praised the resilience of the people of Osun, who he said stood firm against what he described as APC’s “rampaging foot soldiers.” He credited their bravery for preventing the complete derailment of democracy in the state, adding that Osun people have made it clear that they will not succumb to intimidation or have their electoral rights stolen.
As the state prepares for upcoming elections, Atiku called on security agencies to uphold their constitutional duties with professionalism and impartiality. He urged them to resist any attempts by the APC to use them as instruments of oppression and political enforcement.
“The world is watching,” he warned, emphasising that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions is at stake.
Atiku painted a bleak picture of the current political climate in Nigeria, accusing the APC of abandoning all pretence of democratic legitimacy. He claimed that the party, rather than earning the support of the people, has resorted to intimidation and brute force to maintain its grip on power, despite growing rejection by Nigerians.
He commended the people of Osun for their courage in resisting what he termed “tyranny” and for upholding the principles of democracy in the face of oppression. He described their resilience as a beacon of hope for all Nigerians who believe in democratic governance.
Addressing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directly, Atiku called on him and his supporters to cease what he termed as “reckless acts of political sabotage.” He warned that Nigerians will not sit idly by while democracy is hijacked by a “power-drunk regime intent on setting the country on fire.”
“The people demand governance, not chaos,” he stated, insisting that the ruling party should focus on addressing the country’s pressing issues rather than engaging in what he sees as anti-democratic tactics.
Atiku concluded his statement with a rallying cry for Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend their democracy against any forces that seek to undermine it.
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” he reminded Nigerians, urging them to resist any attempt to erode their democratic rights.
As Nigeria continues to navigate a tense political landscape, the allegations levelled by Atiku Abubakar will no doubt spark further debate about the state of democracy in the country. Whether these concerns will lead to any concrete changes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy is far from over.
