Independence: Nigeria on brink of one-party dictatorship – Atiku

• Afenifere vows to resist ‘absolute unitarianism’

• Barau, govs advocate patience, patriotism

By Baba Martins, Saawua Terzungwe (Abuja), Peter Moses (Lagos), Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi), Tijjani Ibrahim (Katsina), Abubakar Akote (Minna)

As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about the state of democracy, warning that the country is on the verge of a one-party dictatorship.

Atiku, in a statement he personally signed yesterday, urged political elites to unite and defend the democratic process from slipping into authoritarianism.

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election stated that Nigeria’s political atmosphere has become corrosive, with the ruling party allegedly manipulating internal processes to weaken opposition parties. He described the situation as a “troubling decline in electoral credibility,” lamenting that elections are increasingly being influenced by the ruling class’s whims.

He called on politicians and statesmen with integrity to step up and reclaim democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression.

Atiku emphasised that while democracy has anchored institutions in the rule of law, Nigeria still struggles to achieve political inclusivity and ensure truly free and fair elections.

Atiku’s message also reflected on the country’s journey, stating that Nigeria’s independence was achieved through the collective efforts of the nation’s founding fathers. He appealed to the political elite to follow their example by working together to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

He urged leaders across party lines to form a credible opposition coalition that would steer the country towards a better future.

Atiku concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the country’s 64th anniversary, calling for a united effort to realise the nation’s potential. “This milestone is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Nigerians who believe in their homeland despite numerous challenges,” he said.

Afenifere stands against centralisation

Similarly, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has vowed to resist what it described as the “undisguised policy of complete capture and absolute unitarianism” by the central government.

In a communique issued yesterday after its monthly meeting, the group expressed concerns over the growing centralisation of power, especially with the introduction of a bill to establish a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) to oversee local government elections.

Afenifere criticised this move as a step towards weakening Nigeria’s federal system, arguing that it would only multiply the inefficiencies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The organisation vowed to mobilise democratic forces to resist any policies that undermine the federal structure. It condemned what it called “political rascality” at both the federal and state levels, accusing the current administration of pushing Nigeria towards a unitary state, which violates the country’s federalist foundation.

Afenifere’s leaders, including Pa Ayo Adebanjo, stressed that the Nigerian government, through its policies and actions, is stifling democracy.

The group also pointed to INEC’s struggles in conducting national elections, questioning how a federal body would manage 774 local government elections efficiently.

Barau, governors call for patience and patriotism

In contrast, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called for patience with the federal government’s economic policies and emphasised the importance of unity and patriotism.

Barau, in a statement signed by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, on Monday, also appealed to the promoters of the October 1 protest to shelve the idea. He appealed to Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration as it works to tackle economic challenges and insecurity.

He said: “Yes, at 64, we face some challenges as a country, but we will overcome them by God’s grace. Let’s continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in actualising his policies and programmes. He has good intentions for the country. We will get it right.”

Barau urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to national progress.

He also expressed confidence that the Nigerian parliament would continue to support the executive in delivering good governance, including pushing forward constitutional amendments that align with the aspirations of the people.

On his part, the Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, in his Independence Day message, called for renewed patriotism and national unity.

He congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Katsina, emphasising that independence is a time to reflect on both the challenges and achievements of the nation.

Governor Radda highlighted the importance of collective effort in addressing the nation’s problems, pointing out that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. He also emphasised his administration’s focus on education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and security, noting the progress made in these areas.

“Our strength lies in our diversity and our shared dreams for a prosperous future,” he said.

Governor Radda reaffirmed his commitment to working with stakeholders to improve the lives of the people in Katsina and contribute to national unity. He called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of determination and hope that characterised the country’s fight for independence.

In Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed similarly called for patience and cooperation as the government continues its efforts to address the economic hardship facing the country.

In his Independence Day message, Governor Bala acknowledged that while Nigeria has made significant progress since independence, the country still faces challenges in governance and economic growth.

He noted that despite these difficulties, Bauchi State has made strides in infrastructure development and security, adding that his administration is committed to improving the lives of its citizens.

The governor also reassured Bauchi residents that palliative measures implemented by both the state and federal governments to mitigate economic hardship would continue. He called on citizens to exercise patience and maintain their trust in the government’s ability to bring relief.

On his part, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State urged citizens to deepen their prayers for the peace and prosperity of the country.

The governor acknowledged the harsh economic realities Nigerians face but assured them that the government is making efforts to alleviate their suffering.

Governor Bago urged citizens to remain law-abiding and supportive of the government at all levels, stressing that nation-building is a collective responsibility.