Nigeria Will Not Surrender Its Democracy Without a Fight — Atiku

…Says ADC Will Choose Candidates in Transparent Process
…Warns Against Interference, Shrinking Democratic Space

By Yinka Giwa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing increasing pressure but insists it will not collapse without resistance from patriotic leaders and citizens determined to preserve political plurality and constitutional rule.

In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as a narrowing democratic space and the growing difficulty faced by opposition parties in operating freely, cautioning that democracy thrives only where alternatives are allowed to flourish.

While stopping short of personal attacks, Atiku noted that Nigerians have endured nearly three difficult years marked by economic strain and political tension, developments which, he said, have tested public confidence in governance and democratic institutions under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He argued that the health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the strength of its opposition and warned against any tendencies, deliberate or unintended, that could weaken pluralism and tilt the country toward de facto one-party dominance.

According to Atiku, these concerns informed the decision by leading opposition figures to rally around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for building a credible national alternative capable of restoring balance to the political system.

“The ADC is conceived as a national rescue platform,” he said, stressing that its mission is to offer Nigerians hope through democratic competition, internal party transparency, and inclusive politics.

Atiku also raised concerns over what he described as external attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC, particularly on the issue of its future presidential ticket. He maintained that the party remains committed to an open and competitive process and that decisions regarding leadership and candidacy would be made strictly by its members.

“The ADC has been clear: it will conduct an open, transparent, and democratic process in choosing its flagbearer,” the statement said, adding that no individual has been anointed and no aspirant pressured to withdraw.

He emphasised that the party’s immediate focus is on grassroots mobilisation, including the building of ward, local government, and state structures across the country, urging all stakeholders to allow the process to unfold without disruption.

Atiku described the ADC as an open platform welcoming all genuine opposition figures, arguing that inclusiveness, rather than coercion or intimidation. remains the cornerstone of democratic practice.

He also referenced the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, describing it as a significant political development that reflects growing public interest in alternative platforms.

Atiku concluded by reaffirming his belief that Nigeria’s democracy is worth defending, insisting that no amount of pressure, intrigue, or political manoeuvring would deter those committed to rebuilding the country.

“Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight,” he said.