On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned what he described as a calculated attempt to frustrate the planned convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing government agents of abusing public office.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku reacted to reports alleging that authorities are planning to revoke the licence of Rainbow Event Centre for hosting the ADC convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
He described the move as “a shameful and cowardly abuse of public office,” stressing that pressuring a private business to deny a legally registered opposition party access to a venue undermines democratic principles.
“Coercing a private business owner to deny a lawfully registered opposition party the use of a venue is not governance. It is not politics,” he stated.
Atiku insisted that the ADC had fulfilled all legal and contractual obligations, including payment of fees and compliance with regulations, noting that the party’s only “offence” is its growing political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
He warned that such actions represent a gradual erosion of democracy, where opposition voices are stifled through subtle but persistent acts of intimidation.
“This is how democracies are strangled, not in a single dramatic blow, but in a thousand petty, vindictive acts,” he added.
Calling the attention of the international community, Atiku urged democratic partners to take note of what he described as ongoing suppression of political opposition in Nigeria.
Despite the controversy, the former presidential candidate remained defiant, declaring that neither he nor the ADC would be intimidated.
“We will not be silenced. The convention will hold. The ADC will rise. And Nigeria will rise with it.”
The development adds to growing political tensions as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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