Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the recent police invitation extended to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, Atiku described the move as a “dangerous assault on civic freedoms.”
The Kaduna State Police Command had through an invitation, summoned El-Rufai and seven ADC leaders for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance.
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The former Vice President linked the development to what he described as a broader pattern of shrinking civic space under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He pointed to the violent attack on former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, and the disruption of a meeting of the Katsina Elders Forum on security reforms as further signs of a disturbing trend.
“These incidents are not isolated. They signify a coordinated assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the essence of pluralistic democracy,” Atiku said.
He warned that criminalizing the opposition and undermining peaceful civic engagement could push the country towards authoritarian rule.
Atiku urged Nigerians to rise in defence of democracy, stressing that liberty, justice, and the rule of law must not be compromised by partisan interests.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or any single individual.
“We must not allow the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law to be undermined by partisan desperation,” he cautioned.
The police invitation follows recent allegations by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who, during a live television interview, accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State government of secretly funding and supplying food to bandits.
He described the move as a “kiss-the-bandits policy,” warning that it only strengthens criminal groups under the pretext of fighting insurgency.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
