Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of backing attempts to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the move as a plan to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku said the move, carried out through legal action, goes against the democratic wishes of Nigerians. He claimed Tinubu is afraid of a free and fair 2027 election.
A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, had earlier directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Justice Isah Dashen later set aside the December 10, 2025 judgment after ruling that it affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which was not joined in the suit.
But Atiku said the development could have serious consequences if efforts to weaken opposition parties continue. He warned that restricting citizens’ choices during elections could create tension in the country.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media office, the ADC presidential candidate said free, fair and credible elections remain the foundation of democracy.
He accused Tinubu of presenting himself as a democrat while his actions, according to him, suggest otherwise.
Atiku, however, urged Tinubu to learn from former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, saying they did not deregister opposition parties during their time in office.
He said a popular leader with strong policies should not fear open competition.
Atiku added that governments may change, but democratic institutions must remain strong.
He also advised judges to avoid being used by politicians seeking to damage Nigeria’s democracy, saying that while many judges have protected justice in the country, some have allowed themselves to become tools for political interests.
