'Nigeria drifting to dictatorship' - Atiku condemns attacks on Sowore, ADC candidate

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has blasted the administration of President Bola Tinubu over attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore and the governorship candidate of the ADC in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Saturday, Atiku said the attacks were troubling.

“The simultaneous attacks on the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, and the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, are deeply troubling and unacceptable,” Atiku wrote.

The former Vice President described the attacks as a dangerous threat to democracy and an attempt to silence opposition voices under the Tinubu administration.

He accused the Federal Government of creating an atmosphere where opposition candidates are no longer safe, warning that Nigeria is drifting towards dictatorship.

“This is not how democracy works. No Nigerian should be attacked for daring to contest against those in power. If opposition is under attack, then democracy itself is under attack,” Atiku added.

Atiku called on security agencies to immediately fish out those behind the attacks and ensure they face justice, while urging President Bola Tinubu to call his supporters to order.