Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned President Bola Tinubu that sharing food items to citizens will not be enough to secure public support in the next general elections.
Naija News reports that Atiku made his position known on Tuesday through a statement released by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, where he reacted to ongoing relief efforts by the government.
He said giving out items like rice and spaghetti may help people temporarily but cannot replace trust from voters during elections.
“Bags of rice, spaghetti, and Indomie may offer temporary relief, but they cannot secure legitimacy at the ballot box,” Atiku said.
He also raised concerns about the current political climate, saying the ruling government appears to be tightening its grip on power while limiting room for opposition.
According to him, even with many governors aligning with the ruling party, there are signs of worry about competition and the reaction of Nigerians at the polls.
The former presidential candidate said control of major institutions has not brought confidence but has instead created unease about opposition voices and the electorate.
“At a time when over 30 state governors have been drawn into the ruling party’s orbit, Nigerians are witnessing a growing pattern of actions that suggest not strength, but fear, fear of credible opposition, fear of free competition, and fear of the Nigerian voter,” he stated.
He added that recent developments suggest attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal issues and court-related matters.
Atiku further criticized the use of state power, pointing to situations where legal actions and detentions have been directed at political opponents.
He said such actions are creating confusion and raising questions about fairness in the system.
He warned that if the situation continues, the country could move towards a system where elections still hold but real competition is reduced.
He stressed that leadership should come from the free choice of the people, not through pressure on institutions or silencing of opposing views.
Atiku urged Nigerians to stay alert as the next election approaches, saying the people must be allowed to decide their leaders through a fair process.
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