Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that politicians facing corruption investigations or criminal charges suddenly receive protection once they defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Atiku made the remarks while delivering his acceptance speech after emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, his victory at the party’s presidential primary reflected the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and fairness, stressing that aspirants were given equal opportunities to contest without intimidation or manipulation.
The former vice president described the ADC coalition as a strategic alliance built through sacrifice and compromise by opposition leaders determined to protect Nigeria’s democracy, which he claimed is currently under serious threat.
He accused the current administration of using state institutions and security agencies to weaken opposition parties through intimidation, political pressure, and manufactured leadership crises.
Speaking on the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku alleged that El-Rufai had remained in custody for months despite court rulings granting him bail.
He further claimed that the former governor was prevented from spending important religious celebrations with his family and was unable to be with his mother before her death.
Atiku accused the Federal Government of deploying anti-corruption agencies and security institutions as political tools against opposition figures while overlooking alleged misconduct involving members of the ruling party.
According to him, politicians under investigation often stop facing pressure immediately after joining the APC, a situation he described as selective justice and abuse of power.
He argued that such practices undermine democratic principles and weaken public confidence in government institutions.
The ADC presidential candidate also alleged that attempts were being made to frustrate and destabilise the opposition coalition, including what he described as moves to deregister the party despite following due process during its formation.
He warned against any interference in the affairs of the ADC by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or the judiciary, insisting that opposition parties would resist any attempt to suppress democratic competition.
Atiku congratulated fellow aspirants who participated in the party’s presidential contest, praising them for placing national interest above personal ambition.
He also expressed concern over worsening economic conditions, insecurity, political intolerance, and what he described as efforts by the APC-led administration to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Calling for unity among opposition groups, Atiku urged coalition members to remain focused and work together ahead of the 2027 elections to challenge the current government.
- Arise TV