Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to uphold political pluralism, saying democratic governance requires opposition parties to operate freely.
According to Daily Post on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Atiku made the remarks while reacting to legal efforts seeking the deregistration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He warned that attempts to restrict political competition could undermine democratic values and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate called on President Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said allowed opposition parties to function throughout their administrations.
“Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari never deregistered opposition political parties. Copy and learn from them,” Atiku said.
He also argued that leaders who enjoy genuine public support should welcome open electoral contests.
“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,” he said, adding that democracy thrives when voters are free to decide at the ballot box.
