Two leading opposition figures in Nigeria: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi—have strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of eroding the core principles that June 12 represents in Nigeria’s democratic history.
In separate statements marking Democracy Day on Thursday, both leaders warned that the country was drifting away from democratic governance, citing growing authoritarianism, economic hardship, and shrinking civic space.
Atiku described the current state of affairs as “the lowest ebb in our democratic journey,” alleging that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists, especially during the struggle to validate the June 12, 1993 presidential election, were being undermined. He said Nigeria was edging dangerously close to a one-party state, with dissenting voices increasingly silenced.
Obi echoed similar concerns, saying the government was failing to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He pointed to what he called an alarming rise in public disillusionment, fueled by poverty, inflation, and policies that lack empathy for ordinary citizens.
Both leaders accused the Federal Government of using propaganda to shape public perception while deepening political repression. They warned that unless corrective measures are taken, Nigeria’s democratic foundation could be irreparably damaged.
