A former vice president and the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar has said that all political parties in the country have come under the whims and caprices of President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku while speaking a two-day conference organised by civil society organisation also accused the president and the ruling party of desperation.
A statement by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe said the ruling party was undermining oppositions’ autonomy by eroding the essentials of true democracy in Nigeria.
Reacting the replies by the presidency on a previous allegation made by the former vice president, Ibe said the only political figure in Nigeria who embodies desperation is President Bola Tinubu.
He accused the president of magnifying his powers and control over Nigeria and her institutions.
“The fact that the APC has become a mere extension of Tinubu’s will is a matter of little consequence. What truly alarms political observers – both inside and outside the APC – is the president’s calculated and insidious strategies to systematically cripple any form of social or political opposition.
“These actions, which Atiku rightfully warns against, are a direct threat to the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” Atiku said.
He alleged that there are crises steaming from fight for survival within the opposition parties following an infiltration of fifth columnist who have been planted within their ranks.
According to Ibe, these individuals have been planted to ensure that no party— whether APC or opposition — remains capable of functioning independently of the president’s whims.
“Therefore, it is with a heavy heart and a sharp admonition that we urge the ruling party to stand before the mirror and gaze upon the true face of desperation — a face that mirrors their own actions and ambitions,” he added.
