The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned reported attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, describing the incidents as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters, warning that the reported incidents could undermine democratic principles and political participation ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
According to a statement shared on his official X handle on Saturday, the former vice president called for immediate and transparent investigations into the attacks and urged President Bola Tinubu to caution his supporters against acts of political intimidation.
Atiku Accuses APC of Intimidating Opposition
Atiku expressed concern over what he described as simultaneous attacks on Sowore and Dan’iya, arguing that the incidents raised serious questions about the safety of opposition politicians in the country.
He alleged that individuals loyal to the ruling APC were using intimidation and violence against political opponents, insisting that such conduct was incompatible with democratic governance.
“The simultaneous attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore @sowore, and the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State, His Excellency Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, are deeply troubling and unacceptable,” Atiku stated.
He further criticised the Tinubu administration, alleging that opposition candidates were increasingly exposed to threats and intimidation.
Atiku also referenced President Tinubu’s absence from the country for a spiritual pilgrimage, arguing that the reported attacks on opposition figures raised concerns about the political environment at home.
Former Vice President Warns Against Threats to Democracy
The ADC presidential candidate warned that continued attacks on opposition politicians, alongside what he described as the unexplained disappearance of influential social media personalities, could signal a troubling development for freedom of expression and political competition in Nigeria.
He accused the Tinubu administration of creating conditions that could weaken opposition activities and restrict political participation.
Atiku maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system must protect political opponents and guarantee their ability to campaign without fear of intimidation.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are free, fair and competitive, stressing that opposition parties must be allowed to participate fully in the electoral process.
Atiku Raises Concerns Over Treatment of ADC Supporters in Sokoto
Beyond the reported attacks on Sowore and Dan’iya, Atiku alleged that a local security outfit in Sokoto State had been harassing supporters of the ADC.
According to him, some citizens had allegedly been manhandled for wearing clothing and other merchandise associated with the opposition party.
“I have it on good authority that a local security outfit in Sokoto State has been harassing ADC supporters, manhandling citizens simply for wearing ADC merchandise,” he said.
Atiku called for an end to any actions that could restrict the activities of opposition parties or discourage Nigerians from openly expressing their political preferences.
He insisted that citizens must be free to support candidates and political parties of their choice without facing threats or harassment.
Atiku Calls for Transparent Investigation
The former vice president reiterated his demand for an immediate and transparent investigation into the reported attacks on Sowore and Dan’iya.
He urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable, while warning against any attempt to suppress opposition voices.
“We shall resist every ongoing attempt to cancel political opposition in Nigeria. The ruling APC has failed in its mandate. Nigerians must be allowed to freely participate in an electoral contest that will determine the fate of this administration,” Atiku said.
The statement adds to the political debate surrounding the treatment of opposition figures and the protection of political rights in Nigeria.
However, the allegations contained in Atiku’s statement require independent investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the reported attacks remain central to establishing responsibility.
The incidents have also renewed attention on the importance of political tolerance, the protection of opposition supporters and the need for security agencies to safeguard citizens’ rights regardless of their political affiliations.