Atiku Abubakar’s Call for Opposition Unity Following His Election Regret

Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has recently urged for a unified front among opposition parties in Nigeria. This call for unity was made during a meeting with the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC), emphasizing the critical need to prevent Nigeria from descending into a one-party state.

Atiku Abubakar’s concern stems from his observation that Nigeria’s democratic landscape is at risk of shifting towards a single-party dominance, potentially jeopardizing the essence of a vibrant democracy. He emphasized the collective responsibility of safeguarding democracy, stressing that the country’s political structure should not revolve around one entity or ideology. Highlighting the meeting’s purpose, Atiku underscored the importance of cooperation among opposition parties to fortify Nigeria’s democratic principles.

Atiku‘s rally follows his recent election setbacks and the defeat of his preferred party ally, Dino Melaye, in the gubernatorial election on November 12. The event also, comes in the aftermath of a harsh rebuke from Bayo Onanuga, representing President Tinubu’s administration. Onanuga criticized Atiku’s democratic approach, asserting that Atiku perceives democracy as flawed unless it conforms to his aspirations. “In his view, democracy must either align with his preferences or be disregarded,” remarked Onanuga.

Atiku Abubakar Championing Against One-Party Dominance

The former Vice President, in addressing the IPAC leadership, condemned the gradual transformation of Nigeria into what he perceives as a “dictatorship of one party.” He warned against the dire repercussions that could result from the ruling party’s unchecked influence, stating that failure to challenge this trend might inflict lasting damage on the country’s democratic fabric.

Atiku Abubakar’s impassioned plea stressed the urgent need for a more robust opposition coalition to counterbalance the growing dominance of the ruling party. He urged IPAC and other opposition party leaders to unite and take proactive steps to salvage Nigeria’s democracy from the brink of becoming a one-party system. His concerns resonated with the need to prevent future generations from inheriting a compromised democratic setup.

INEC’s Role and Urgency for Electoral Reforms

In addition to his concerns about one-party dominance, Atiku expressed disappointment in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he perceived as grave irregularities in recent elections. He cited specific instances where INEC’s conduct raised questions about the integrity of electoral processes.

Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of INEC’s alleged shortcomings focused on instances of irregularities, including discrepancies in voter numbers and the conduct of elections in several states. He called for urgent legislative intervention by urging lawmakers to prioritize electoral reforms, particularly emphasizing the need for electronic voting. Atiku emphasized that the adoption of electronic voting would enhance the credibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral system, aligning it with global standards.

IPAC’s Perspective on Democracy Amid Challenges

Responding to Atiku’s concerns, Yabagi Sani, the National President of IPAC, acknowledged the flaws within Nigeria’s electoral system but affirmed the enduring significance of democracy in governance. Despite recognizing the shortcomings, Sani highlighted the importance of democracy as the optimal form of government, emphasizing the need to address electoral challenges while upholding the democratic principles at the core of Nigeria’s governance.

Sani’s acknowledgment of the electoral system’s imperfections echoed Atiku Abubakar’s concerns while emphasizing the resilience of democracy as a guiding principle. The IPAC leader’s stance reflected a commitment to acknowledging and rectifying deficiencies in the electoral process while upholding the fundamental values of democracy.

Overall, Atiku Abubakar‘s call for opposition unity and electoral reforms signals a crucial moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. His advocacy for a collective effort to safeguard democracy against potential threats is underscored by the imperative need for structural reforms to fortify Nigeria’s electoral system and ensure a more transparent and credible democratic process.