Atiku Abubakar Accuses APC of Manipulating Opposition Leadership Crises
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, has alleged that the ongoing leadership struggles within opposition parties are a calculated effort orchestrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and certain factions within the judiciary. This assertion came during his acceptance speech following his nomination as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the forthcoming general elections.
In his speech after winning the primaries, Abubakar characterized the ADC as a coalition forged through significant dedication, sacrifice, and collaboration. He emphasized the party’s commitment to restoring and defending Nigeria’s democratic framework, underscoring its role as a stabilizing force amid what he described as a decline in democratic principles across the political landscape.
He commended the successful execution of the primaries, asserting that the ADC has showcased true internal democracy, in stark contrast to the broader political environment where democratic values are seemingly eroding. According to Abubakar, the ADC stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that despite the aggressive repression from the ruling party, democracy can thrive within its ranks.
“Our party is a coalition built through hard work and great sacrifice, committed to safeguarding our democracy against what we perceive as its greatest threat since the return to civil rule in 1999,” he stated. Abubakar further criticized the APC government, accusing it of creating a leadership crisis among opposition parties while subjecting their members to harassment and intimidation.
Highlighting the plight of opposition figures, he pointed to the case of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a respected civil servant and former governor of Kaduna State, who has reportedly been detained for three months despite a court order for his release. Abubakar lamented that El-Rufai has been denied the right to observe significant religious holidays and be with his family during a critical time, simply for being a prominent member of the opposition.
“This type of brutality must come to an end,” he urged, accusing the government of employing security forces to intimidate and coerce opposition members into joining the APC. He claimed that the harassment ceases for those who comply, illustrating a troubling abuse of power that must be challenged.
Abubakar cautioned that any further attempts by the government, INEC, or the judiciary to meddle in the political landscape would be met with strong resistance. He labeled these ongoing intrusions as unacceptable and called for solidarity among party members, urging them to prioritize unity and collective effort over individual rivalries.
As the ADC looks ahead to the upcoming elections, Abubakar called upon its members to not only rally behind their newly elected leader but also to streamline party membership to strengthen their position. In support of this sentiment, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark emphasized that the primaries were intended to showcase the resilience of democracy in Nigeria, expressing optimism about the country’s future despite its current challenges.
