Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is part of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged plan to impose a one-party state.
Atiku made the allegation in a statement issued on Saturday by his media office.
His comments come after a federal high court in Lokoja set aside its earlier judgment compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
‘Threat to democracy’
Atiku described the court development as a dangerous move against Nigeria’s democracy.
He alleged that the ruling was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
“It is evidence of the desperate determination of President Bola Tinubu to impose a de facto one-party state in Nigeria,” he said.
Alleges attempt to weaken opposition
Furthermore, Atiku said any attempt to restrict political competition could destabilise the country.
He argued that citizens must be allowed to freely choose among different political parties.
“The participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy,” he said.
“Any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy.”
Compares Tinubu with Buhari, Jonathan
Meanwhile, Atiku urged Tinubu to emulate former presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan.
He noted that neither administration deregistered opposition parties while in office.
“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,” he said.
“Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.”
Advises judiciary to remain independent
The former vice-president also urged judges to resist political pressure.
He warned against actions that could damage the credibility of the judiciary.
“Governments will come and go,” he said.
“The judiciary must guard its integrity as the last hope of the masses.”
“Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice.”
