Atiku warns democracy under siege, citing low FCT election turnout and accusing Tinubu government of suppressing dissenting voices
Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of Bola Tinubu, warning that democracy in Nigeria is under siege following low voter turnout in the FCT Area Council elections held on Saturday.
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In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday, Atiku described the turnout as a “damning verdict” on the state of Nigerian democracy under the current government.
The chieftain of African Democratic Congress said the poor civic participation in the nation’s capital is the result of a political climate marked by intolerance, intimidation, and systematic weakening of opposition voices.
Atiku alleged that the Bola Tinubu-led administration is shrinking the democratic space, harassing dissenters, and treating alternative political perspectives as threats.
“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die. This is not mere voter apathy. Democracy in Nigeria is being suffocated—slowly and dangerously,” he stated.
The Adamawa-born politician cautioned that continued erosion of participatory governance could inflict lasting damage on Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He called on opposition parties to unite in order to safeguard democratic principles and encourage meaningful citizen participation in future elections.
Also read: Atiku Abubakar Urges FCT Voters to Oust APC in Council Election
Atiku’s warning follows a string of national debates about electoral engagement, reflecting broader concerns over political inclusion and governance under the Tinubu administration.
