Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the current opposition coalition effort is not about seizing power but defending democracy. He made this known in a statement released on Democracy Day, June 12.
According to Atiku, the move to unite opposition forces is a moral duty. He stressed that it seeks to preserve the spirit of June 12, not to serve political ambition.
“It’s about ensuring that no one—no matter how powerful—turns the state into private property or reduces citizens to mere pawns,” he said.
He accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC of trying to silence dissent and control every aspect of national life. Atiku alleged that government contracts worth billions now go to associates and relatives of the President.
“Opposition voices are being erased. National institutions are renamed to honour a sitting president—as if the country is his private estate,” he added.
He warned that what Nigeria faces today is not governance, but conquest. He described it as a creeping move toward a one-party dictatorship.
“Nigerians didn’t shed blood for this. We didn’t struggle for democracy only to end up under authoritarian rule and economic pain.
Atiku described the current administration as the lowest point in Nigeria’s democratic history. He accused the government of using public institutions as weapons of control.
“Policies today don’t empower people. Instead, they create fear and force submission. The average Nigerian suffers while the elite enjoy comfort.”
He said this is the opposite of what June 12 stands for. He called on citizens to choose between democratic renewal and the darkness of despotism.
June 12: A Call to Action, Not Just Remembrance
Atiku said the opposition coalition wants to reclaim Nigeria for its people and protect the future of unborn generations.
“This isn’t just politics. It’s a moral fight—to rescue our democracy, economy, and dignity from authoritarian grip.”
He urged Nigerians to show courage, clarity, and unity. He declared that as long as oppression remains, June 12 lives on—not as a date but as a movement.
“Now is the time to rise.”
Reflecting on the June 12, 1993, election, Atiku recalled how Nigeria once stood as a beacon of democratic hope. He said he made personal sacrifices, including stepping aside for Chief MKO Abiola, to support national unity.
He honoured the memories of those who paid the ultimate price—Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Alfred Rewane—saying their sacrifices must never fade.
“We fought hard to win our democracy. But sadly, we’re watching those gains fall apart.”
