Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Plot to Deregister NDC, Warns of One‑Party State Threat

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of seeking to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) through judicial means, describing the move as evidence of Tinubu’s determination to impose a one‑party state in Nigeria.

Atiku said the action runs counter to the democratic wishes of Nigerians and shows that Tinubu fears a free and fair election in 2027.

Justice Isah Dashen delivered the ruling on Friday, noting that the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment adversely affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which was not joined as a party in the suit.

The former vice president said he is not surprised by the development, warning that weakening opposition parties could help Tinubu secure victory in 2027 and potentially plunge the country into chaos.

In a statement issued by his media office, Atiku stressed that citizen participation in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy, and any attempt to stifle that freedom could trigger anarchy.

He added that Nigerians are now seeing Tinubu’s true colours — pretending to be a democrat while his agents act against the very principle of free and fair elections.

Atiku urged Tinubu to follow the example of former presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, who never deregistered an opposition party and upheld a non‑violent approach to political competition.

He reminded the president that genuine popularity does not require fear of fair competition.

Atiku warned that Tinubu cannot claim to be a champion of democracy while undermining its foundations.

He called on judges to resist being used by dishonourable politicians intent on destroying Nigeria’s hard‑earned democracy, stressing that institutions must remain strong even as governments change.

While acknowledging that many good judges exist in Nigeria, Atiku cautioned that some have allowed themselves to become tools of unscrupulous politicians, damaging the judiciary’s credibility.