LIVE UPDATES
Notable opposition leaders in Nigeria, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party's presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, have criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration for undermining the principles represented by June 12.
They argue that Nigeria can no longer be deemed a functional democracy under the current regime.
In their individual Democracy Day statements on Thursday, both leaders depicted a dire situation regarding Nigeria's political and economic environment, accusing the Federal Government of tearing down hard-fought democratic achievements, stifling dissent, manipulating public opinion, and ruling with an authoritarian mindset.
Atiku referred to the existing administration as the “lowest point in our democratic journey,” asserting that the values and sacrifices associated with June 12 are being betrayed by what he termed a growing one-party dictatorship.
He emphasized that Nigerians are not experiencing real governance, but rather a form of oppression, lamenting the gradual undoing of the democratic progress that began in 1999.
He recalled that, thirty-two years prior, Nigeria was on the brink of greatness, with a wave of democratic reform sweeping across Africa, inspiring hope that Nigeria would emerge as a symbol of liberty, justice, and self-determination.
He reminisced about his participation in that pivotal period, which led to a monumental election that captured global attention and altered the country's political trajectory.
It was a time of significant promise and sacrifices, where the political elite made difficult compromises, but the Nigerian populace endured the most significant hardships.
He acknowledged his own sacrifices, particularly forgoing his presidential ambitions to support the late Chief MKO Abiola, a decision rooted in dedication to a greater national cause.
Atiku mourned for those who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy, mentioning figures such as the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Tafida Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, affirming that their legacies must never be forgotten.
He argued that the achievements of June 12 were hard-earned, yet sadly, the democratic ideals that flourished in 1999 are now being systematically dismantled.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and its Federal Government of governance aimed at domination, suppression, and silencing of dissent.
“Nigeria stands on the brink of a perilous cliff a creeping one-party system is taking the place of the democratic framework for which many sacrificed,” he warned. He declared, “What we are witnessing is not governance, but conquest. This administration marks the lowest point in our democratic experience.”
Atiku asserted that as long as oppression prevails, June 12 will not just be a recollection but a continued movement. Obi, addressing Democracy Day on Thursday, stated that the fundamental elements of democracy are lacking in Nigeria's current governance.
“Regrettably, in our current circumstances, Nigeria cannot be recognized as a democratic nation. Democracy is meant to be governed by the people, by the people, and for the people.
However, none of these criteria exist in our democracy today,” Obi expressed.
Obi criticized the electoral system, pointing out frequent violations of participation rules and requirements.
He remarked, “Individuals who should be disqualified are instead occupying public offices.” Reflecting on the symbolic importance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic fight, he voiced worry that the country has experienced a significant decline in democratic values within just two years under the current administration.
“It is disheartening that under the current government, we have seen a significant erosion of democratic principles in a mere two years,” he stated.
He pointed to a corresponding decline in areas such as security, economic stability, and social services, including education and healthcare.
“We have transitioned from fraudulent elections to collapsing social services, from rising poverty to increasing corruption, and from a seemingly stable economy to a parallel economy,” Obi noted.
He accused the Federal Government of twisting public narratives instead of addressing the nation's issues.
“Instead of demonstrating real accountability and measuring progress, the government focuses on distorting narratives, gaslighting the populace, shifting blame, and weaponizing governance,” he asserted.
Additionally, he cited economic figures to support his claims, revealing that Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product decreased from $364 billion in May 2023 to $188 billion, and per capita income fell from $1,640 to $835.
“The number of Nigerians living in poverty has surged from 38.9 percent to 54 percent. As a result, 129 million Nigerians now exist below the poverty line,” he continued, referencing a World Bank report indicating that 75 percent of those in rural regions now live in poverty.
Obi also lamented the state of education and healthcare, stating, “Currently, 18.3 million children are out of school this is the highest globally. Our children are now taught science without proper laboratories and are taking exams in the dark using candles.”
Concerning healthcare, he cited the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, revealing that less than 20 percent of over 30,000 primary healthcare centers nationwide are functional.
He concluded that the country is rapidly declining in various areas, alerting that the rule of law is nearly absent and governance is failing to meet the fundamental needs of the populace.
The Peoples Democratic Party urged citizens to oppose what it perceives as a plan by Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
In a statement commemorating June 12 Democracy Day, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed concerns about attempts by the administration to impose the APC on the nation.
The party urged Nigerians, democratic institutions, civil organizations, and international allies to denounce the diminishing of justice, the rule of law, credible elections, and citizens' rights to political engagement in Nigeria.
“The People’s Democratic Party calls on Nigerians to use the June 12 Democracy Day to revive and strengthen their resistance against the anti-democratic intentions of the All Progressives Congress, particularly the scheme to impose a despotic one-party regime in Nigeria.
The PDP urges Nigerians, democratic institutions, organized civil society, development partners, and all democracy advocates to unite in denouncing the stifling of essential democratic principles such as justice, the rule of law, fair and peaceful credible electoral processes, and citizens' rights to freely participate in politics and governance in Nigeria,” the party stated.
The opposition party warned that the suspension of elected representatives in Rivers State and the appointment of a sole administrator constituted a severe threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
