I Met with an Opposition Party Leadership, and They Told Me Tinubu’s Govt Gives Them N50m Each And"

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over the potential erosion of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the nation’s current trajectory could jeopardize its hard-won democratic gains. Speaking in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy—organized by multiple organizations, including the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)—Atiku urged Nigerians to critically assess the nation’s democratic future.

“We are at a crossroads in this democratic experiment,” Atiku stated, lamenting the growing influence of courts in determining electoral outcomes. He criticized the current governance system for dictating the direction of political parties, arguing that political parties, which directly engage with citizens during campaigns, should instead shape governance.

The former vice president also emphasized the importance of legislative reforms, urging the National Assembly to take a proactive role in safeguarding democracy. However, he expressed doubts about the current assembly’s ability to enact necessary changes, describing it as a “rubber stamp” for the government.

Drawing from global examples, Atiku pointed to Turkey’s electoral system as a model of credibility. He highlighted how Turkey’s electoral body refused to declare President Recep Erdogan a winner when he failed to secure the constitutional requirement of 50% of the votes. Atiku questioned whether Nigeria’s electoral institutions could demonstrate such integrity.

He further alleged that the current government has been undermining opposition parties by offering financial inducements to their leaders. “I met with an opposition party leadership, and they told me this government gives them N50 million each,” he disclosed, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting democracy.

According to Daily Trust reports, Atiku reiterated this claim, saying: “I want to say it here publicly. I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each.”

The former vice president called for unity among opposition parties to resist the ruling party’s “winning at all costs” mentality. He also emphasized the need for better funding of political parties to strengthen structures and ensure accountability.

“If we are not careful, we may end up with no democracy at all. God forbid,” Atiku warned.