Key Points

• Atiku says the ruling party is weakening opposition voices and narrowing political choice.

• He warns Nigeria risks drifting into a one-party system if pressure continues.

• He says the ADC will resist interference and keep its leadership process open.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says Nigeria’s democracy is under serious pressure and may not survive if current trends continue.

In a statement released on Sunday through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of shrinking political space and weakening opposition parties. He said the result could be a country where only one party truly matters.

Atiku said Nigerians have faced nearly three years of tough economic conditions. He pointed to rising prices, policy changes, and growing public frustration.

At the same time, he claimed opposition parties have come under steady pressure, leaving voters with fewer real choices.

According to him, a democracy cannot work when people are pushed into supporting one party by default.

“Democracy needs real options”

Atiku said the slow collapse of opposition parties should worry every Nigerian, not just politicians.

He warned that once strong alternatives disappear, elections lose meaning and power becomes harder to challenge.

He described the situation as a quiet move toward a one-party system.

Why ADC matters to the opposition

Atiku said these concerns pushed opposition figures to gather around the African Democratic Congress, which he described as a platform for political recovery.

He alleged that forces linked to the Presidency are now trying to interfere in the party’s internal affairs, especially around talks about its presidential candidate.

He also rejected calls for him to step aside, saying such demands weaken democracy and divide the opposition.

“No one should be forced out”

Atiku said leadership choices within the ADC should be made by party members alone.

He stressed that the party plans to run an open process where anyone qualified can contest without pressure.

He added that the ADC is focused on building its structure at the grassroots, from wards to states.

Tinubu should step aside, Atiku says

In a sharp comment, Atiku said if stepping aside is truly about national interest, President Tinubu should consider it instead.

He said many Nigerians are angry and tired as living conditions worsen.

Atiku also spoke about Peter Obi’s recent decision to join the ADC in Enugu. He said the move is important, especially in the Southeast.

He claimed the reaction from some government officials showed fear, not confidence.

Atiku ended by saying the opposition will not be bullied or silenced.

He said Nigeria’s democracy is worth protecting and should not fade away quietly as the country heads toward another election cycle.