Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to intimidate opposition politicians and weaken democratic structures in the country.
Speaking after emerging as the ADC presidential candidate for the next general election, Atiku alleged that the APC government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary were actively undermining opposition parties and coercing politicians into joining the ruling party.
According to him, virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria are currently battling leadership crises allegedly engineered by the government and its allies.
He further claimed that opposition figures were being harassed and intimidated through the use of security agencies and anti-corruption institutions.
Citing former Kaduna State Governor Mallm Nasir El Rufai , Atiku alleged that the opposition figure had remained in detention for three months despite court orders granting him bail.
“He has been denied the opportunity to celebrate important religious holidays with his family and was unable to be by his mother’s side as she took her last breath. This kind of cruelty must stop,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President also alleged that politicians facing investigations or prosecution suddenly receive relief after defecting to the APC.
“Once a person joins the APC, the harassment ceases and the charges against them magically disappear,” he alleged.
Atiku warned against any attempt by the Presidency, INEC or the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the ADC coalition, saying such actions would be resisted.
The ADC candidate said the coalition was formed through sacrifices and compromises aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy, which he described as being under severe threat since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
While calling for unity among members of the coalition, Atiku urged aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders to close ranks ahead of the elections.
He specifically appealed to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join hands with him in what he described as the struggle to save Nigeria’s democracy and rebuild the country.
Atiku defeats Amaechi, Hayatudeen to secure ADC Presidential Ticket. “Final result: Atiku 1,855,787, Amaechi 509,397, Hayatudeen 180,903. Total votes cast in the election: 2,546,457. Total party membership for the election: 3,113,599.
