Just In: Atiku: Tinubu's 'True Colours' on Display with NDC Deregistration Attempt

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Vice President and contested the presidency under the African Democratic Congress banner, has leveled an accusation against President Bola Tinubu. Atiku claims President Tinubu is orchestrating a scheme to delist the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a move he warns could jeopardize Nigeria's democracy and lead to a single-party system.

In a press release distributed by his media team on Saturday, Mr. Abubakar characterized the alleged judicial maneuver to remove the opposition party from registration as proof of the current government's resolve to diminish political rivals before the 2027 general elections. The statement, dated June 27, 2026, originated from Abuja and was also disseminated on X by Paul Ibe, an aide to the former Vice President.

He further asserted that any action aimed at curtailing political rivalry or restricting the electorate's options at the polls represents a grave danger to Nigeria's democratic framework and overall national stability.

The former Vice President indicated that this unfolding situation was not unexpected, contending that several recent actions and political indicators from the present government have fueled doubts regarding its dedication to democratic tenets. He remarked, “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections.”

Atiku issued a caution, emphasizing that efforts to stifle opposing political groups could profoundly impact the nation's democratic system. He underscored the critical importance of citizens' right to engage in free, fair, and credible elections as the bedrock of democratic governance. He stated, “Participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy, and any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy.”

Mr. Abubakar called upon President Tinubu to draw inspiration from his predecessors, former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan. He pointed out that despite fierce political rivalries, neither of their administrations pursued the deregistration of opposition parties. He posited that a government assured of its public appeal and achievements should harbor no apprehension towards electoral contests. Atiku affirmed, “If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition.”

He went on to accuse President Tinubu of forsaking the democratic principles he once advocated for during Nigeria’s period of military rule.

Atiku declared, “Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.” He added, “You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027.”

Furthermore, Atiku appealed to members of the judiciary, urging them to withstand political influence and uphold the sanctity of the courts. He cautioned against allowing judicial bodies to be exploited for partisan agendas. He stated, “Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses.”

While acknowledging the valuable contributions of numerous esteemed judges, the former Vice President warned that the conduct of a minority of judicial officers, who yield to political persuasion, could erode public trust in the justice system. He elaborated, “There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords on the hands of politicians are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary.”

On Friday, Justice Isah Dashen, presiding over the Federal High Court in Lokoja, overturned a previous judgment from December 10, 2025. That earlier ruling had mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political entity. The court's decision was based on the finding that the Peace Movement Party's rights were prejudiced by the initial judgment, as they were not included in the suit despite asserting ownership of the logo that formed the basis of the order.

Consequently, the court instructed all involved parties to revert to their status prior to the December 2025 judgment. It also ordered a new hearing for the substantive case, ensuring all essential parties are included.

Earlier on the same Friday, Atiku's aide, Paul Ibe, issued a call for unity among opposition leaders, including the NDC presidential candidate and his deputy, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other prominent figures, to coalesce ahead of the 2027 elections, a call made after the court ruling. Ibe posited that opposition parties still had adequate time to collaborate before the next presidential contest, specifically naming Obi, Kwankwaso, and other opposition leaders as potential partners in forming a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).