JUNE 12: Our Democracy In Danger — Atiku

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, expressed his concern that despite the end of military rule in 1999, democracy in the country remains constrained and called for concerted efforts to rescue it.

In a Facebook post on Monday, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Atiku highlighted that Nigeria’s current political system should be regarded as a return to civil rule rather than true democracy.

While congratulating Nigerians on Democracy Day, Atiku urged citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey towards becoming a democratic society.

Acknowledging the progress made in making democracy the norm in Nigerian politics, Atiku stressed that true democracy requires a commitment to fairness, adherence to the rule of law, and transparency in conducting elections. He criticized those in positions of political leadership who manipulate electoral outcomes to suit their interests, asserting that such practices undermine the democratic process.

For Nigeria’s democracy to flourish, Atiku argued that the governing elite should not have undue influence over election results. He emphasized the need for an electoral system that allows for the genuine will of the people to be expressed.

While recognizing the achievements of the activism that led to the current democratic dispensation, Atiku emphasized that there is still much work ahead. He noted that democracy and the process of democratization are ongoing endeavors that require constant attention and improvement.

Atiku highlighted the importance of making Nigeria’s democracy self-sustaining and resilient against anti-democratic forces. He called for the collective commitment of all democrats to advance the cause of democracy and the democratization process.

The former vice president stressed that the future of Nigeria’s democracy hinges on the actions taken today. He warned that enemies of democracy are relentless and emphasized the need to redouble efforts in order to overcome them.

In concluding his statement, Atiku emphasized that the commitment to democracy must be unwavering and called on all Nigerians to join in the fight to protect and strengthen the democratic ideals of the nation.

As Nigeria continues its journey towards a more robust democracy, Atiku’s remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead and the collective responsibility required to overcome them.