NDC Deregistration: Atiku Alleges Tinubu Is Working to Establish One-Party State

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has again accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to establish a one-party state in Nigeria following a fresh move to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the development further reinforced his belief that the Tinubu administration was seeking to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday through his media office, the former vice president warned that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” Atiku said.

He maintained that citizens’ participation in free, fair and credible elections is the foundation of democracy, warning that any attempt to limit voters’ choices could heighten political tension.

Atiku urged President Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said did not deregister opposition parties during their time in office.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” he said.

He further stated, “Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.”

The former vice president also called on members of the judiciary to safeguard the independence of the courts and resist political pressure.

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre,” he said.