In an explosive response to recent statements made by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the government’s approach to democracy and governance. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, called out the Tinubu-led administration for allegedly undermining democratic values, accusing it of sticking to a “snatch and grab” agenda with no clear plan to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku’s scathing remarks came after a controversial social media post by Sunday Dare, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Public Communication, who had attempted to discredit opposition figures and their efforts to promote democratic ideals. In his post, Dare suggested that the opposition’s calls for stronger democratic reforms were mere political tactics. He further painted a disturbing picture of the opposition, calling it a “fight” for control and criticizing the calls for credible elections as nothing more than an effort to dismantle the government.
Atiku did not hold back in his response. Speaking through his media office, Atiku condemned the government’s dismissal of democratic progress and labeled the Tinubu administration’s rhetoric as “Machiavellian inclinations.” He argued that Dare’s posts painted a picture of a government more concerned with consolidating power than with building a stronger, more democratic Nigeria.
“The Tinubu government’s response to genuine efforts to strengthen democracy is nothing short of disappointing,” Atiku’s media office stated. “To dismiss opposition calls for credible elections and democracy as mere political scheming is to insult the will of the Nigerian people. We cannot allow a government that claims to represent the people to reduce democracy to nothing more than a combat strategy for power.”
Atiku’s criticisms of the Tinubu administration are not new. The former vice president has consistently accused the government of undermining national unity and ignoring the needs of Nigerians. His statement also touched on the widening divides in the country, which he argues have only deepened since the inauguration of President Tinubu in May 2023.
“Nigeria has never been more divided along ethnic, religious, and political lines,” Atiku continued. “This government is playing a dangerous game by creating a hierarchy of citizens, with some receiving preferential treatment and others being sidelined. This is not what democracy looks like.”
The former vice president also accused the administration of focusing on short-term power plays rather than addressing the long-term issues that continue to plague the country. “The current administration has no concrete plans to address Nigeria’s pressing issues—poverty, insecurity, and the growing economic divide. Instead, they are obsessed with holding onto power by any means necessary, even if it means weakening the very fabric of our democracy,” Atiku added.
Atiku’s comments come on the heels of a growing political battle in Nigeria. The country has been plagued by allegations of electoral malpractice, political violence, and the erosion of democratic norms. While the administration has dismissed such claims, opposition leaders, including Atiku, argue that the government’s tactics undermine the principles of free and fair elections.
In his statement, Atiku also took issue with Dare’s attempt to link Nigeria’s internal struggles with global politics. The presidential spokesperson had earlier shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that expressed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policy. Dare had also dismissed the significance of international trade relations, suggesting that the Nigerian government should adopt a more aggressive stance in global affairs.
However, Atiku saw this as another distraction from the country’s pressing domestic issues. “It is reckless for a government that has done little to address Nigeria’s internal problems to focus on global political rhetoric,” he remarked. “We must first fix our house before worrying about what is happening outside our borders.”
The clash between Atiku and Tinubu’s camps highlights the deepening rift between the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the opposition PDP. In his statements, Atiku warned that the Tinubu government’s attempts to dismiss opposition concerns would only fuel more discontent among Nigerians.
“If the Tinubu administration continues down this path, they will only hasten their own retirement,” Atiku said, referring to his belief that the administration is on track to fail in delivering the promises made to Nigerians. “The people of Nigeria are waking up to the reality that this government is not interested in improving their lives but in preserving power for the few.”
Atiku’s comments also drew attention to the broader implications for Nigeria’s political future. As the country prepares for upcoming elections in 2025, there are growing concerns about the state of the electoral process. Atiku has long called for electoral reforms, including greater transparency, the removal of voter suppression tactics, and more robust checks and balances to ensure the integrity of the voting system.
“Nigerians deserve better. They deserve leaders who will uphold the constitution, protect their rights, and work tirelessly to address the issues facing the country,” Atiku’s media office concluded. “We cannot afford to go backward. Our democracy must be strengthened, not undermined.”
The rift between Atiku and the Tinubu administration is only expected to intensify as the 2025 general elections draw closer. With both sides preparing for a fierce political battle, the question remains: will the Tinubu administration prioritize democratic reforms, or will it continue to follow a path of consolidation and control?