The recent local government elections in Osun State, Nigeria, have sparked a wave of condemnation, particularly from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating violence and undermining the democratic process. The clash, which reportedly resulted in the loss of six lives, has been described by Abubakar as a stark demonstration of lawlessness, political thuggery, and a blatant attempt to subvert the will of the people. Abubakar’s statement, released via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, directly implicates the APC and President Bola Tinubu in the unrest, alleging a calculated strategy to retain power through any means necessary. This incident, according to Abubakar, represents not just a localized crisis but a broader assault on Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Abubakar’s critique centers on the alleged deployment of armed thugs and mercenaries by the APC to seize control of local government council secretariats across Osun State. He paints a picture of a coordinated effort to hijack the electoral process, facilitated by the ruling party and condoned by its leadership. The former Vice President argues that the violence witnessed in Osun is a direct consequence of the APC’s desperation to cling to power, even at the expense of human lives and democratic principles. He commends the resilience of the Osun people for resisting the alleged intimidation and standing firm in defense of their electoral rights.
The former Vice President further contends that the APC’s actions in Osun State reflect a broader pattern of anti-democratic behavior. He accuses the ruling party of abandoning democratic principles, choosing instead to rely on intimidation and violence to achieve its political objectives. This, he argues, is evident not only in Osun but also in other parts of the country, including Lagos State. He warns that these actions represent a dangerous escalation of political tensions and could potentially set the nation on a path towards chaos.
Abubakar specifically calls out President Tinubu and his administration for their alleged complicity in the unfolding crisis. He accuses the President of turning a blind eye to the violence and failing to uphold his constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections. He emphasizes that the international community is watching these developments closely and urges security agencies to remain impartial and resist being used as instruments of political repression. Abubakar stresses the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the democratic rights of all citizens.
Furthermore, Abubakar draws a parallel between the events in Osun State and a broader trend of political maneuvering by the APC. He argues that the ruling party’s desperation to retain power has led to a disregard for democratic norms and a willingness to resort to violence and intimidation. This, he warns, poses a serious threat to the stability of the nation and undermines the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy. He calls on all Nigerians to be vigilant and to resist any attempts to subvert the democratic process.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s statement offers a stark warning about the state of democracy in Nigeria. He portrays the Osun local government elections as a microcosm of the APC’s broader strategy to maintain power through undemocratic means. He condemns the violence, criticizes the ruling party’s alleged complicity, and calls for a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of democracy. He stresses the urgency of the situation and urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to defend their democratic rights against what he perceives as an escalating threat.
