Atiku Abubakar has again criticized President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He alleges they're using government power to weaken opposition parties before 2027.
His complaint centers on authorities blocking the PDP from using a public venue in Abuja. The party wanted to hold an event affirming its presidential candidate.
In a Saturday statement, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate called the ban unconstitutional. He described it as politically motivated interference.
Atiku claims this reflects a broader pattern of official harassment against opposition movements nationwide. According to him, the administration is deliberately squeezing the political space.
Denying a registered political party access to a venue violates constitutional rights, he argued. Freedom of association and peaceful assembly are being trampled, Atiku insisted.
"The action of Minister Wike to deny the PDP the opportunity from holding an event in line with its constitutional right represents a blatant abuse of the party's rights," his statement read.
Public facilities must remain open to all citizens and political groups, Atiku contended. Selective access weakens faith in democratic institutions, he added.
The decision shows the FCT Administration is playing favorites in politics, he argued. Interference from above is directing these discriminatory actions.
Opposition groups have faced similar treatment in recent months, Atiku claimed. There's a deliberate strategy to reduce visibility of parties challenging the ruling APC.
He pointed to unequal treatment of political groups across Abuja. Another ADC faction recently held a public gathering without facing comparable pushback.
"It was under the same leadership of Wike in the FCT that a sponsored faction of the ADC had a public event a few days ago with no one threatening them," he noted.
Such tactics could undermine election credibility and damage democratic competition, Atiku warned. Left unchecked, these actions will destabilize future polls.
This follows President Tinubu's pattern of using state machinery against opponents, he stated. Government structures are being weaponized to frustrate political rivals.
The administration is attempting to rig the playing field before the next presidential election, Atiku charged. It fears free and fair competition.
Nigerians remain committed to democratic values, he maintained. They'll reject any moves to suppress legitimate political participation.
"The Tinubu government is afraid of free and fair elections and their tactics to suppress the opposition will not succeed," the statement concluded.
Atiku called on the FCT Administration to reverse course immediately. All political parties conducting lawful activities deserve equal access to public and private facilities.
