Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties and undermining democratic principles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded reaction on Saturday, Atiku condemned the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to deny the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) use of a public venue in Abuja for a planned political event, describing it as an abuse of authority and a violation of constitutional rights.
According to a statement released by the Atiku Media Office, the former Vice President alleged that the action reflects a broader pattern of political intolerance under President Tinubu’s administration, warning that opposition space is gradually being restricted.
He argued that preventing the PDP from holding its event amounts to an infringement on freedom of association and peaceful assembly as guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, insisting that public facilities should remain accessible to all political groups without bias.
Atiku further claimed that the FCT Administration’s decision shows clear partisan influence, stressing that both public and private venues in Abuja should serve citizens regardless of political affiliation. He maintained that denying opposition parties access to such spaces represents discrimination and political interference.
The ADC candidate also pointed to what he described as a recurring pattern of obstruction against opposition parties, alleging that similar restrictions had been experienced during past political gatherings, while rival factions were allegedly allowed to operate freely under the same authority.
He warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that selective approval of political events undermines the rule of law and the credibility of future elections.
Atiku accused the Tinubu-led government of using state institutions to tilt the political environment in favour of the ruling party, insisting that the growing trend threatens democratic balance and pluralism in the country.
He further stated that Nigerians deserve free and fair elections and vowed that attempts to suppress opposition voices would ultimately fail, adding that citizens remain committed to accountability and constitutional governance.
The former presidential candidate also alleged that the administration was either seeking total political control or risking the erosion of democratic norms through its actions.
He therefore called on the FCT Minister to immediately reverse the decision and ensure equal access to public facilities for all political parties, while urging civil society groups and Nigerians to resist what he described as creeping authoritarian tendencies.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official response to the allegations.