Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Targeting Opposition Ahead of 2027 Polls
Presidency Denies Clampdown Allegation
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of orchestrating a clampdown on opposition figures in a bid to weaken rivals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described recent developments as “a calculated assault” on opposition leaders and dissenting voices across the country.
Citing a BBC Hausa report on Saturday, Atiku pointed to the police invitation of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and attacks on opposition gatherings as part of a broader strategy to stifle alternative political platforms.
Through his media aide, AbdurRashid Shehu Sharada, the former Vice President alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was exploiting divisions within opposition ranks while deploying state apparatus to intimidate critics.
“From the brutalisation of ADC supporters in Kebbi to the disruption of a security meeting in Katsina led by Usman Bugaje, it is clear that political thuggery is being encouraged. More troubling is the disruption of an ADC meeting in Kaduna attended by El-Rufai, after which police invited him and other opposition leaders rather than those responsible for the attack,” Sharada said.
However, Presidential spokesman Abdul’Aziz Abdul’Aziz dismissed the allegations, insisting there was no government-backed clampdown on opposition.
According to him, El-Rufai’s police invitation was strictly linked to statements he made at the Kaduna meeting and reports of armed supporters at the event.
“As for the incidents in Kebbi and Katsina, the government had no involvement whatsoever,” Abdul’Aziz clarified.
Political observers have urged both the ruling APC and the opposition to de-escalate tensions, warning that the growing political hostilities could threaten Nigeria’s fragile democratic stability.
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