Vows to Resist in New Coalition Effort

In a strongly worded statement, the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of systematically weakening opposition parties in Nigeria, aiming to establish a de facto one-party state amid ongoing economic hardships.

The press release, issued on Tuesday, describes the past three years under Tinubu as one of the harshest periods in recent Nigerian history, marked by “punishing economic policies and shrinking democratic space.”

It claims the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is pursuing a “calculated effort to eliminate political alternatives,” leaving the ruling party dominant “by default, not by merit.

“According to the statement signed by Paul Ibe of the Atiku Media Office, opposition leaders have responded by rallying around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “nucleus of a credible national alternative.” The ADC is portrayed as being on a “national rescue mission,” with Atiku and other figures central to the initiative.

The release directly addresses recent external pressures on the ADC, alleging that “agents aligned with the Presidency” are attempting to destabilize the party by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the selection of a presidential candidate.

It rejects any calls for Atiku to “step aside,” labeling such demands as “a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.

“Emphasizing the ADC’s commitment to an “open, transparent, and competitive process” for choosing its flagbearer, the statement warns that “APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.”

It notes the party is currently focused on building grassroots structures at ward, local government, and state levels, urging “disruptors and infiltrators” to cease interference.

The ADC remains “open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures,” the release states, highlighting inclusiveness as the “soul of democracy.”

It asserts that when the nomination process begins, “all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely,” and no one is stepping down. In a pointed remark, it suggests that if anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu, whose leadership is described as a “national liability.

“The statement references the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, which it says prompted “open boasts” from a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party.

“Their fear is evident,” it adds.Concluding with a defiant tone, the release declares the ADC’s determination to “end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC,” insisting that no amount of “intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage” will derail its mission. “Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” it states.

This development comes amid growing political tensions in Nigeria, as opposition groups seek to consolidate ahead of future elections. Neither the Presidency nor the APC has immediately responded to the allegations.