APC Responds to Atiku: Democracy in Nigeria Remains Secure

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s assertions that Nigeria’s democracy is in danger have been rejected by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which calls them humorous and alarmist.

Through his spokesperson Paul Ibe, Abubakar warned on Tuesday that a de facto one-party state could result from the Tinubu administration’s deliberate weakening of opposition parties and reduction of Nigeria’s political space.

Along with policies and actions that, in his opinion, compromise democratic norms, he claimed that Nigerians have suffered from extreme economic hardship for almost three years under the Tinubu-led government.

In reaction, the former vice president and his African Democratic Congress, or ADC, party were “afraid of their own shadows,” according to a statement released on Thursday by Lagos State APC spokesman Seye Oladejo.

He emphasized that under President Tinubu, democratic institutions were operating regularly and encouraged the opposition to cease attempting to gain significance by forecasting the demise of a democracy that has developed despite their “constant doomsday prophecies.”

“The opposition’s diminishing relevance is under threat, not Nigeria’s democracy,” stated Oladejo. “Democratic institutions have operated as intended since May 29, 2023.”

“The legislature has exercised oversight, elections have been held, courts have decided cases, and citizens continue to enjoy constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.”

“The opposition has demonstrated, litigated, and spoken freely—hardly signs of a democracy under siege.”

Oladejo went on to say that internal inconsistencies and “inherent deceit” make the ADC more vulnerable.

He characterized the coalition as a precarious organization whose main goal is to become president, with its leaders nursing personal entitlement and threatening disruption if their goals are not fulfilled.

He declared, “No political house built on sand can withstand the inevitable internal whirlwind that follows unchecked ambition without ideology.”

“Blaming the ruling party for the apparent desperation of ADC leaders, who already view the upcoming elections as their final opportunity on the national scene, is dishonest.”

He underlined that democracy does not fall apart because individual goals are unfulfilled and that winning and losing are essential components of the democratic process.

The ADC coalition “seems to have its expiration date engraved upon it,” according to Oladejo. Unfortunately, longevity does not appear to be a part of it.

“What we are seeing is not the defense of democracy, but the final upheaval of a political system held together by impatience, fear, and the diminishing significance of its key players.”

He confirmed the tenacity of Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that continuing reforms—while difficult—are based on the values of democratic accountability, the rule of law, and the constitution, which cannot be undone by those who have lost Nigerians’ trust.

As a result, we counsel Atiku Abubakar and his new political allies to face reality head-on. Nigeria has no fear.

“Democracy is not crumbling. The opposition is just afraid of its own shadow and the obvious fact that Nigerians have moved on, according to Oladejo.