Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over what he described as a plot to disenfranchise voters in Northern Nigeria, following reports that the Nigerian Senate was considering suspending political campaigns in eight Northern States due to rising insecurity.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Sunday, Atiku described the development as “deeply troubling” and warned that it carried dangerous implications for the country’s democracy.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain noted that while insecurity remained a serious national challenge requiring decisive action, it must not be used as a pretext to undermine constitutional rights or selectively restrict democratic participation.
“Let it be clearly stated: the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise. Any attempt—whether deliberate or disguised—to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement,” he said.
He recalled that credible intelligence had earlier pointed to possible plans to weaken electoral participation in key Northern states, adding that recent developments appeared to support those fears.
“This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process. You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure,” he added.
The former Vice President stressed that citizens in Northern Nigeria, like others across the country, deserved both security and full participation in the democratic process.
He said, “The people of Northern Nigeria, like all Nigerians, deserve both security and full participation in the democratic process—not one at the expense of the other. It is the responsibility of government to provide security for its citizens, while it remains the duty of citizens to freely exercise their civic rights without fear, intimidation, or unlawful restriction.”
Atiku further warned that any move perceived as targeting a particular region could worsen national divisions and erode public trust.
“At a time when citizens are already battling hardship and insecurity, the least the government can do is to guarantee their right to be heard—not to restrict it. Any policy that creates the impression of targeted exclusion will only deepen distrust and national division,” he said.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clarify their positions and reassure Nigerians that no region would be denied its constitutional rights.
“Nigeria must never descend into a situation where elections are shaped by exclusion, fear, or administrative manipulation. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching and better imagined than experienced,” Atiku cautioned.
Atiku urged all stakeholders to uphold fairness, equity, and national unity, insisting that democracy must remain inclusive, transparent, and credible across all parts of the country.
