Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of undermining democratic principles following the sealing of properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement issued on Monday by his media office, Atiku described the action as a “state-sponsored siege” and warned that Nigeria is sliding toward authoritarian rule.
The former vice president condemned what he called a lawless and politically motivated operation, alleging that security operatives moved to seal Malami’s residences and businesses shortly after his visit, despite the matter being before the courts.
“This is not governance. This is intimidation. This is a regime weaponizing state power to silence dissent,” Atiku said.
He warned that the development signals a growing erosion of democratic norms, alleging that state institutions are increasingly being used for political purposes.
“What we are seeing is the naked abuse of power—security agencies deployed not for national security, but for settling political scores. This is how democracies die,” he added.
Atiku further accused the Tinubu administration of orchestrating a coordinated effort to weaken opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that political leaders are being pressured to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This government is terrified of competition. That is why it is resorting to brute force—harassing, intimidating, and attempting to break opposition leaders into submission,” he stated.
He also alleged that prominent political figures, including Malami and former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai, are being targeted as part of a broader strategy to suppress opposition voices.
“This is political extortion at the highest level—join us or be destroyed. That is the message being sent,” Atiku said.
The former vice president cautioned that continued pressure on opposition leaders could push Nigeria toward a one-party system, warning that democratic elections would lose credibility if dissent and political competition are weakened.
“When opposition is criminalised and dissent is punished, elections become a mere formality,” he said, adding that leadership should not be used to dominate the political system.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s past, Atiku likened the current situation to the self-succession attempt during the military era of former Head of State Sani Abacha, warning that such developments could undermine democratic progress.
He also accused the administration of using anti-corruption agencies to pressure political actors into defecting to the ruling party, describing the trend as a form of state capture.
“Freedom of choice is the lifeblood of democracy. Once you kill it, dictatorship takes over,” Atiku said.
The statement, signed by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja on March 23, 2026, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democratic institutions.