Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria may head into the 2027 general elections under a climate of repression, insisting that persistent crackdowns on dissent pose a serious threat to free, fair, and credible polls.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing pattern of intimidation, arrests, and harassment of citizens who criticise the government, particularly activists and vocal opponents of the ruling administration. According to him, democracy cannot thrive where fear dominates the political space.
Atiku spoke against the backdrop of the arrest and continued detention of Abubakar Salim Musa, a young activist whose case has drawn condemnation from rights groups. He argued that the circumstances surrounding the arrest reflect a wider attempt to silence dissenting voices rather than uphold the rule of law.
He accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of increasingly relying on coercive measures instead of addressing pressing national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and rising unemployment. The former vice president warned that using security agencies to intimidate critics erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
“Elections cannot be free or fair when citizens are afraid to speak, organise, or participate openly in political activities,” Atiku said, stressing that repression ahead of a major election undermines both voter confidence and the legitimacy of the electoral process.
He further noted that journalists, students, entertainers, and ordinary Nigerians have in recent months faced arrests or threats over comments made online or during peaceful expressions of dissent. Such actions, he said, shrink civic space and weaken the foundations of democracy.
Atiku called for the immediate and unconditional release of individuals detained for exercising their right to free expression, urging the government to respect constitutional freedoms. He also appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to closely monitor developments ahead of the 2027 polls.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Nigeria, have similarly raised concerns over what they describe as an increase in arbitrary arrests and intimidation of government critics, warning that the trend could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democratic future.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, analysts say Atiku’s warning highlights growing anxiety within the opposition and civil society over whether Nigeria can conduct elections in an atmosphere that guarantees freedom of expression, open competition, and public participation.
The former vice president concluded that safeguarding democratic freedoms now is critical to ensuring that the 2027 general elections reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.
Abuja Network News
Tags
News