Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Congress, has called for the consolidation of opposition political parties to present a more robust and united front.
Expressing concern over the potential shift towards a one-party state, Atiku emphasized the need for collaboration to safeguard democracy, particularly with the next general elections looming in 2027.
Addressing the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC) on Tuesday, the former Vice President underscored the collective responsibility in protecting democracy.
Atiku remarked, “Our democracy is fast becoming a one-party system, and, of course, you know that when we have a one-party system, we should just forget about democracy.”
He urged the leadership of IPAC, led by its national president, Yabagi Sani, to facilitate the collaboration of opposition political parties.
“The objective is to create a more formidable front that will prevent Nigeria’s democracy from sliding into a one-party state,” Atiku added.
The former Vice President further critiqued the ruling party, stating, “We have all seen how the APC is increasingly turning Nigeria into a dictatorship of one party. If we don’t come together to challenge what the ruling party is trying to create, our democracy will suffer, and the consequences will affect generations yet unborn.”
He also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he deemed the worst general election in the country.