Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the violent disruption of the democratic process during Osun state’s local government elections on Monday, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating an assault on democracy.
In a statement, Atiku alleged that the APC’s desperation to retain power led to the deployment of armed thugs and mercenaries to take control of all 30 local government council secretariats in Osun. “Armed thugs and mercenaries, operating under the party’s protection, launched an audacious bid to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats,” Atiku said.
He further criticized the national leadership of the APC and the presidency for their “complicit silence” as the violence unfolded. “Had it not been for the fearless resistance of Osun people — who stood their ground against the APC’s rampaging foot soldiers — democracy in the state would have been trampled under the boots of political marauders.”
Atiku praised the citizens of Osun for their bravery, calling their resistance a “beacon of hope in the face of unrelenting oppression.” He also called on security agencies to remain professional and resist being used as tools for the APC’s alleged criminal activities.
“The people have overwhelmingly rejected it,” Atiku said of the APC’s hold on power, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in the face of ongoing threats to democracy. “The time-honored warning remains true: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
In a stern message to President Bola Tinubu, Atiku concluded, “Enough is enough. Nigerians will not sit idly while their democracy is hijacked by a power-drunk regime intent on setting the country on fire.”