APC Assures Atiku: Nigeria's Democracy is Strong and Secure!

Table of Contents

1. APC Response to Atiku Abubakar's Claims
2. Functioning of Democratic Institutions
3. Vulnerability of the ADC Coalition
4. Conclusion

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the assertions made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that Nigeria's democracy is in jeopardy, labeling them as alarmist and ironic.

Abubakar, through his spokesperson Paul Ibe on Tuesday, accused the Tinubu administration of intentionally undermining opposition parties and constricting Nigeria's democratic space, cautioning that this could lead to a de facto one-party state.

He also claimed that Nigerians have faced nearly three years of severe economic hardship under the Tinubu-led government, alongside policies and actions that, in his opinion, erode democratic values.

In response, Lagos State APC spokesman Seye Oladejo issued a statement on Thursday, asserting that the former vice president and his African Democratic Congress (ADC) party were “afraid of their own shadows.”

He emphasized that democratic institutions are operating normally under President Tinubu and urged the opposition to cease their attempts at relevance by predicting the collapse of a democracy that continues to mature despite their “constant doomsday prophecies.”

“Nigeria's democracy is not at risk; what is truly at risk is the opposition's diminishing relevance,” Oladejo stated. “Since May 29, 2023, democratic institutions have functioned as intended.”

“Elections have been held, courts have resolved disputes, the legislature has exercised oversight, and citizens continue to enjoy constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.”

“The opposition has spoken freely, protested without hindrance, and engaged in litigation—hardly signs of a democracy under siege.”

Oladejo further contended that the ADC is increasingly susceptible due to internal contradictions and “inherent deceit.”

He characterized the coalition as a fragile entity whose primary ambition is the presidency, with leaders harboring personal entitlement while threatening chaos if their aspirations are thwarted.

“No political foundation built on sand can withstand the inevitable internal turmoil that follows unchecked ambition without ideology,” he remarked.

“It is disingenuous to hold the ruling party accountable for the evident desperation of ADC leaders, who already perceive the upcoming elections as their last opportunity on the national stage.”

He stressed that winning and losing are integral components of the democratic process and that democracy does not collapse simply because individual ambitions are unfulfilled.

According to Oladejo, the ADC coalition “seems to have its expiry date inscribed upon it. Longevity, unfortunately, does not appear to be its destiny.”

“What we are witnessing is not the defense of democracy, but the final convulsion of a political arrangement held together by fear, impatience, and the diminishing relevance of its prominent figures.”

He affirmed the strength of Nigeria's democracy under President Bola Tinubu, noting that ongoing reforms, while challenging, are grounded in the constitution, rule of law, and principles of democratic accountability that cannot be undone by those who have lost the trust of the Nigerian people.

“We therefore advise Atiku Abubakar and his new political associates to face reality honestly. Nigeria is not afraid.”

“Democracy is not crumbling. It is merely the opposition that is intimidated by its own shadow and the undeniable truth that Nigerians have moved forward,” Oladejo concluded.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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