Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday warned that free and fair elections in 2027 may not be possible if political repression and human rights violations continue unchecked.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the current political climate, marked by intimidation and suppression of opposition voices, threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
“No country can conduct credible elections under a climate of fear and repression,” Atiku said in a statement. “The signs are disturbing, and we must act before it’s too late.”
He pointed to recent incidents involving opposition figures facing harassment and what he described as selective use of state power by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, these actions send a message that dissent is not welcome.
Atiku called on civil society, the media, and the international community to monitor developments in Nigeria closely and pressure the government to uphold democratic norms.
“We must ensure that Nigerians have the freedom to choose their leaders without fear or manipulation,” he added.
The Presidency has yet to respond to Atiku’s claims. However, APC officials have previously denied accusations of authoritarianism, insisting that the government remains committed to democratic principles.
Atiku, who has contested for the presidency multiple times, said he remains committed to the democratic process but stressed that reforms must be in place to guarantee transparency and fairness ahead of 2027.
“Our democracy is young but must not be strangled by those meant to protect it,” he said.
