Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, expressed concerns about the state of Nigerian democracy. He argued that democracy in Nigeria is not fully functional if it fails to deliver prosperity and freedom to its citizens. In a statement via his verified X handle on Democracy Day, he emphasized the significance of June 12 as a day to commemorate Nigeria’s long journey toward becoming a stable democratic nation. He acknowledged that democracy is irreplaceable as a form of government.
Atiku paid tribute to the sacrifices of notable patriots like MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Yar’Adua, and Alfred Rewane, among others, who played crucial roles in the struggle to end military dictatorship and restore democratic governance. He highlighted the significance of the coalitions and alliances formed during that period to achieve this goal.
He noted that Nigeria has experienced 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, which is unprecedented in its history and deserves celebration. He commended the political class and civil society for their roles in nurturing democracy and urged all stakeholders to continue their efforts to sustain it.
However, Atiku criticized the current state of democracy in Nigeria, stating that it has failed to fulfill its promises of prosperity and liberty. He attributed the extreme hardship, poverty, violence, and insecurity of the past nine years to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also criticized the opposition parties for their inability to unite and present a viable alternative to the ruling party. He argued that the opposition’s failure to function effectively is a significant threat to Nigerian democracy. He called for the opposition to forge a coalition to improve the country’s fortunes and secure the confidence of Nigerians in good governance.
