Atiku urges Tinubu: Buhari and Jonathan never deregistered opposition parties—learn from them

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to follow the democratic example set by former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, noting that neither of those administrations ever deregistered opposition parties amid fierce political rivalry.

He voiced the remark in response to an alleged effort to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) via the judiciary, claiming the action was intended to weaken opposition groups before the 2027 general elections.

A statement released on Saturday by the Atiku Media Office characterized the alleged move as part of a wider strategy to create a one‑party state and cautioned that such measures could erode Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

He argued that efforts to curtail political competition violate democratic principles and risk eroding public trust in the electoral system.

Atiku maintained that Nigerians must be able to engage in credible elections and select leaders without undue interference.

He contended that the purported actions against the NDC contradicted President Tinubu’s declared commitment to democratic values.

The Waziri of Adamawa urged Tinubu to follow the example of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who, although a former military officer, never deregistered any opposition party while in office.

He also referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that the former leader consistently asserted that political ambition should never come at the expense of human lives.

“If you are genuinely popular and your policies have genuinely improved citizens’ lives, you should not fear a free and fair competition,” Atiku said.

He added that leaders ought to uphold democratic principles by permitting open political competition instead of attempting to weaken opposition parties.

Atiku also appealed to the judiciary to protect the independence and integrity of the courts.

He urged judges to resist any attempt by politicians to use the judicial process for partisan ends, emphasizing that the judiciary remains a vital institution for sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku cautioned that the conduct of a few judicial officers could influence public perception of the institution and called for strict adherence to the rule of law. The statement was issued by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja.