Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who served as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, emphasized the significance of opposition parties merging to form a stronger front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He expressed this viewpoint during a meeting with the national executive committee of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the gathering, Atiku underscored the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and voiced his concerns regarding the actions of the APC, which he believes are steering the country towards a one-party dictatorship. He urged IPAC, led by Yabagi Sani, to unite opposition parties and bolster their collective strength to counter this perceived threat.
Atiku did not shy away from criticizing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as poorly conducted elections leading to discrepancies in voter numbers. He called on the National Assembly to prioritize constitutional and electoral reforms, specifically addressing the implementation of electronic voting reforms. Such reforms are crucial in ensuring transparent elections and safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process. Atiku expressed his firm belief that despite its imperfections, democracy remains the best form of government, and he is committed to working with others to uphold and preserve it in Nigeria.
The IPAC team, led by its National President Yabagi Sani, accompanied Atiku during the visit, discussing various matters regarding the betterment of Nigeria’s political landscape and the protection of democratic principles.
Atiku’s call for opposition parties to merge to form a stronger front against the ruling APC reflects his commitment to nurturing a thriving and competitive democracy in Nigeria. By advocating for necessary reforms and the collective strength of opposition parties, Atiku aims to ensure transparent elections and protect the fundamental principles of democratic governance in the country.