Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over what he described as a potential attempt to disenfranchise voters in parts of Northern Nigeria, following reports that the Senate may consider suspending political campaigns in eight states due to rising insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former presidential candidate warned that such a move could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Mr Atiku described the reported plan as “deeply troubling,” noting that while insecurity remains a major national challenge, it should not be used as a justification to restrict citizens’ constitutional rights.
“The right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise,” he said.
“Any attempt—whether deliberate or disguised—to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement.”
The former vice president recalled that intelligence reports had previously suggested possible efforts to weaken voter participation in key Northern states, adding that recent developments appear to reinforce those fears.
According to him, the issue goes beyond campaign activities and touches on broader democratic principles, including representation, inclusion, and electoral integrity.
“You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure,” he added.
Mr Atiku stressed that Nigerians, particularly those in the North, should not be forced to choose between security and their democratic rights, insisting that both must be guaranteed simultaneously.
He also urged the government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, to clarify their positions and reassure citizens that no part of the country would be excluded from the electoral process.
“At a time when citizens are already facing hardship and insecurity, the least the government can do is to guarantee their right to be heard—not to restrict it,” he said.
The former vice president warned that any policy perceived as targeting specific regions could deepen mistrust and widen national divisions.
“Nigeria must never descend into a situation where elections are shaped by exclusion, fear, or administrative manipulation. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching,” he cautioned.
Mr Atiku concluded by calling on all stakeholders to uphold fairness, equity, and national unity, emphasizing the need to preserve an inclusive, transparent, and credible democratic system across the country.