By David Odama
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu following a Federal High Court ruling that set aside an earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
In a statement, Atiku said the development raises concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic principles ahead of the 2027 general election. He argued that democracy is built on the right of citizens to freely choose from different political parties, warning that any attempt to limit that choice could have serious consequences.
Atiku accused Tinubu of presenting himself as a supporter of democracy while actions by those around him suggest otherwise. “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who claims to be a democrat, but the actions of his agents contradict his commitment to free and fair elections,” he said.
He further argued that any leader confident in their record and popularity should not fear political competition. “If your policies have improved the lives of Nigerians, there should be no fear of a free and fair contest,” Atiku added, stressing that leaders should not seek to govern against the wishes of the people while claiming to support credible elections.
The court’s decision has sparked fresh debate over political participation and the registration of new parties ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts noting that the ruling could shape the political landscape in the run-up to the polls.
