“Nigeria Dangerously Close to Authoritarian Rule” — Atiku Slams Police Summons on El-Rufai, ADC Leaders

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the police summons issued to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the development as evidence of “creeping authoritarianism” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Kaduna State Police Command had, in a letter dated September 4 and signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC State Chairman to present El-Rufai and six other party members for questioning on September 8. They are being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

Those listed in the police invitation include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (“30”), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (“Mikiya”).

Earlier on Thursday, security operatives sealed off the ADC office on Ali Akilu Road in Kaduna, just hours before the Northwest leadership of the party was due to arrive on a condolence visit.

Reacting in a statement issued Friday, Atiku warned that the events in Kaduna, Katsina, and other states signal a coordinated clampdown on dissent.

“The summons of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and ADC leaders in Kaduna, the attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting are not isolated,” he said. “They signify a dangerous assault on civic freedoms and the essence of pluralistic democracy.”

The 2023 PDP presidential candidate stressed that democracy cannot thrive when opposition voices are criminalized.

“It is important to emphasize that dissent is vital to democracy. No government that resorts to intimidation and uses security agencies as weapons against perceived opponents can genuinely uphold democratic principles,” he stated.

Atiku cautioned that Nigeria risked sliding back into authoritarian rule if these trends continue, urging citizens across political divides to defend democratic freedoms.

“Defending our democracy cannot be the sole responsibility of the opposition; it is a collective national duty. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party. We must not allow liberty, justice, and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation,” he warned.