Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of paying opposition leaders N50 million each to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy organized by various civic groups in Abuja on Monday, Atiku warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk of collapse unless urgent measures are taken.
Atiku revealed, “I want to say it here publicly. I met with a political party leader from the opposition, and they openly admitted that this government gives them N50 million each.
“If we’re not careful, some of the people we are addressing here are beneficiaries of the APC government’s N50 million. Do we truly want to fight for democracy?”
He lamented the weakening of democratic values, labelling the current National Assembly as a “rubber stamp” and expressing doubts about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral commission.
Atiku referenced Turkey as an example of electoral integrity, noting how its electoral body refused to declare a president-elect who failed to meet the required vote threshold.
Calling for unity among opposition parties, Atiku recounted his decades-long fight for democracy, highlighting personal sacrifices, including surviving an assassination attempt, losing his businesses, and going into exile.
“If we don’t unite and act, we may lose our democracy altogether. God forbid,” he warned.
