Tinubu Administration Stifling Opposition Voices – Atiku Replies APC Spokesperson

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, has condemned what he describes as the Tinubu administration’s alarming trend of suppressing opposition voices in Nigeria.

Atiku’s remarks come in response to inflammatory comments made by Felix Morka, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), directed at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

In a post on X, Atiku expressed concerns over Morka’s statement that Obi had “crossed the line,” labelling it as a troubling signal of disdain for democratic principles. He emphasised that such language, coupled with threats suggesting that Obi “must be ready for whatever comes his way,” is antithetical to the tenets of democracy and civil discourse.

“A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas,” Atiku stated, adding that criticisms and contributions from opposition leaders like Obi are vital for good governance and public accountability.

He called on the APC to clarify Morka’s comments and formally apologise to Obi and the Nigerian public for what he described as “reckless and derogatory expressions.”

Atiku also highlighted the case of Mahdi Shehu, a vocal critic of the government who remains in detention without clear justification. He described Shehu’s imprisonment as another example of the administration’s growing authoritarian tendencies.

If there is anyone who has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration,” Atiku said, accusing the government of setting a dangerous precedent by vilifying opposition figures and stifling dissent.

He urged the government to recalibrate its approach to dealing with opposition voices, emphasising the importance of meaningful dialogue and respect for alternative viewpoints in sustaining a vibrant democracy. He called on Nigerians and the international community to intervene and hold the government accountable for its actions.

It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to speak out against this stifling of voices crucial to our democracy,” he concluded.

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