Tinubu Using State Power to Crush Opposition Ahead of 2027 — Atiku

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja, the former Vice President condemned the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to deny the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) access to a public event centre in Abuja for the affirmation of its presidential candidate.

Atiku described the action as “authoritarian,” alleging that it reflects a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to frustrate opposition parties and weaken democratic institutions before the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, the refusal to allow the PDP to use the venue amounts to “a blatant abuse” of constitutional rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

The ADC candidate argued that both public and private facilities in the Federal Capital Territory should remain accessible to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, warning that selective denial of access sets “a dangerous precedent” capable of eroding democratic norms and the integrity of future elections.

Atiku further alleged a pattern of political interference by the federal government through state institutions, claiming that opposition parties are increasingly being pushed out of the political space.

“It was under the same leadership of Wike in the FCT that a sponsored faction of the ADC held a public event days ago without interference,” the statement noted.

The former Vice President accused the administration of “weaponizing” the FCT administration against opposition parties, describing the development as evidence of intolerance toward political pluralism.

He maintained that the Tinubu government is “afraid of free and fair elections,” insisting that Nigerians remain committed to democracy, accountability, and constitutional governance.

Atiku also called on civil society organisations, democratic stakeholders, and Nigerians to resist what he termed “creeping authoritarianism” before it further weakens the nation’s democratic foundations.

The statement urged the FCT administration to immediately stop actions perceived as unconstitutional and ensure equal access to facilities for all political parties carrying out legitimate activities.