Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has advocated for the merger of opposition political parties in Nigeria.
The Herald gathered that the call was made during a meeting with the National Executive Committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council Nigeria (IPAC), where Atiku expressed concerns about the increasing tendency towards a one-party state in the country.
In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasised that safeguarding democracy is a collective project and not the responsibility of a single person.
He warned against the dangers of Nigeria slipping into a one-party system, pointing out the challenges such a scenario could pose to the democratic process.
Addressing the IPAC leadership, led by National President Yabagi Sani, Atiku stressed the need for opposition parties to unite and form a more robust front.
He criticised the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), for what he described as an attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Atiku urged opposition parties to challenge the ruling party’s actions to prevent adverse consequences for the democratic system.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Atiku accused the electoral body of conducting subpar general elections in the country.
He cited examples of irregularities in recent off-season elections in three states and called on opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly to sponsor legislation that prioritises constitutional and electoral reforms.
Atiku particularly emphasised the urgency of implementing electronic voting, stating that it should be a top priority for the National Assembly.
He urged lawmakers to work towards advancing the constitutional and electoral reforms agenda to ensure a healthier democracy.
Responding on behalf of IPAC members, Yabagi Sani acknowledged the imperfections associated with Nigerian elections but affirmed that democracy remains the best form of government despite its shortcomings.