Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to emulate the democratic conduct of former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that neither leader sought to deregister opposition political parties despite facing stiff political competition.

Atiku made the remarks while reacting to the controversy surrounding the court ruling affecting the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system and political pluralism.

In a statement issued through his media office, Atiku said:

“Former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan never deregistered opposition political parties. Copy and learn from them.”

He accused the current administration of actions capable of weakening opposition politics and warned against any attempt to suppress alternative political voices ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku further stated:

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition.”

The former vice president argued that democratic governance thrives when citizens are free to choose among competing political parties without interference.

He also criticised President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, saying:

“Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.”

Continuing, Atiku added:

“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027.”

He also appealed to members of the judiciary to remain impartial and resist political pressure, stressing the importance of preserving public confidence in the courts.

According to him:

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses.”

He concluded by warning that the conduct of a few judicial officers could undermine the image of the judiciary, stating:

“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords in the hands of politicians are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary.”

Atiku maintained that protecting opposition parties and ensuring credible electoral competition are essential to preserving Nigeria’s democracy and preventing any drift toward one-party rule.