Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s democratic system by allegedly frustrating the emergence of new opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His reaction followed a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, which overturned an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The court, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, ruled that the Peace Movement Party should have been included in the original lawsuit because the outcome could directly affect its interests. Consequently, the judge nullified the December 10, 2025 judgment, restored the previous legal position, and ordered that the matter be heard afresh with all relevant parties present.
Responding to the development in a statement issued on Saturday, Atiku described the court’s decision as another indication that the current administration is attempting to reduce political competition in Nigeria.
According to the former presidential candidate, Nigerians are beginning to see what he described as the true character of President Tinubu’s government, arguing that its actions contradict repeated assurances of a commitment to democratic principles and credible elections.
He warned that restricting political participation or limiting the number of parties available to voters could undermine public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
Atiku maintained that democracy thrives when citizens are free to choose from a wide range of political alternatives without interference from those in power. He argued that any effort to suppress opposition voices or discourage new political movements could create unnecessary political tension.
The former vice president also criticised what he described as a departure from the democratic values Tinubu once championed during Nigeria’s struggle against military rule.
He urged the president to demonstrate genuine commitment to democratic governance by allowing political competition to flourish without intimidation or interference.
Atiku further pointed to the administrations of former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, noting that despite intense political rivalry during their tenures, neither government sought to eliminate opposition parties from the political landscape.
He argued that a government confident in its popularity and performance should have nothing to fear from open political competition.
“If an administration believes its policies have improved the lives of Nigerians, then it should willingly embrace free and fair electoral competition rather than create obstacles for alternative political platforms,” he said.
The former vice president also appealed to the judiciary to remain independent and resist any form of political influence, stressing that the courts play a critical role in protecting Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
He warned that public confidence in the judicial system could be damaged if judges fail to uphold the rule of law and ensure equal treatment for all political actors.
The legal battle over the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress is expected to continue after the Federal High Court ordered a fresh hearing involving all parties whose interests may be affected by the outcome.
Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Undermining Democracy Over NDC Registration Setback
