Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the reported attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore and African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, describing the incidents as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement attributed to Atiku, the former vice president expressed concern over the reported assaults on the two opposition politicians and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of creating an environment in which opposition figures and their supporters face intimidation.
Atiku called for immediate and transparent investigations into both incidents, insisting that political parties and their supporters must be allowed to participate freely in Nigeria’s political activities without fear of harassment or violence.
Atiku Condemns Attacks on Sowore and ADC Candidate
The former vice president described the reported attacks on Sowore and Dan’iya as disturbing developments, particularly as Nigeria prepares for another general election.
According to Atiku, the incidents raise concerns about the safety of opposition politicians and the ability of political parties to operate without interference.
He alleged that individuals loyal to the ruling APC were responsible for acts of intimidation against opposition members. However, the allegations have not been independently established by the information contained in his statement.
Atiku argued that political disagreements should not result in physical attacks, harassment or attempts to prevent opposition figures from carrying out their political activities.
He maintained that democratic governance requires an environment where competing political interests can operate freely.
Atiku Accuses Tinubu Administration of Intimidating Opposition
Atiku also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging that political opponents were being subjected to intimidation while the president was away on a spiritual pilgrimage.
He questioned the situation in which, according to his statement, opposition politicians were reportedly facing attacks within the country during the president’s absence.
The former vice president further expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of pressure against opposition voices.
He linked the reported incidents to broader concerns about freedom of political expression and the ability of Nigerians to participate in the country’s democratic process.
Atiku also referred to the reported disappearance of some social media influencers, describing such developments as warning signs that should attract public attention.
However, his statement did not identify the individuals allegedly missing or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
ADC Supporters Allegedly Harassed in Sokoto
Another concern raised by Atiku involved the treatment of supporters of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State.
He alleged that a local security outfit in the state had been harassing ADC supporters, including physically handling some citizens because they were wearing clothing and other materials bearing the party’s identity.
The former vice president said the alleged incidents required urgent attention from the relevant authorities.
He did not identify the security outfit or provide specific dates and locations of the alleged harassment in the statement.
Nevertheless, he called for an investigation into the claims, stressing that Nigerians should not face intimidation or mistreatment because of their political affiliations.
The allegation also raises questions about the protection of citizens’ rights to associate with political parties and publicly express their political preferences.
Atiku Demands Investigation Into Reported Political Attacks
Atiku called on the federal government and relevant security authorities to investigate the reported attacks on Sowore and Dan’iya.
He insisted that the investigations should be transparent and should establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including the identities of anyone found responsible.
He also urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that opposition parties are not prevented from participating in political activities ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
According to the former vice president, Nigeria’s democratic system depends on the ability of citizens and political organisations to compete without intimidation.
He maintained that the ruling party should not use its position in government to restrict political opposition or interfere with the rights of other parties.
Atiku Says Opposition Will Resist Political Intimidation
In his concluding remarks, Atiku declared that opposition parties and their supporters would resist attempts to restrict political participation in the country.
He also criticised the performance of the APC-led administration, arguing that Nigerians should be allowed to determine the country’s political direction through a free and competitive electoral process.
The former vice president emphasised that the forthcoming general elections should provide an opportunity for citizens to make their choices without coercion or interference.
Meanwhile, details of investigations into the reported attacks on Sowore and the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto were not provided in Atiku’s statement.
The allegations concerning political intimidation, the activities of the local security outfit and the reported disappearance of social media influencers also require clarification from the relevant authorities.
For now, Atiku’s statement has renewed attention on the security of opposition politicians and the importance of protecting political participation as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
