Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the lingering political unrest in Osun and Lagos states.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Atiku accused the APC of orchestrating violence in Osun State ahead of the local government elections, claiming the ruling party is desperate to retain power at all costs.
Atiku’s Accusations Against the APC
Atiku alleged that the APC deployed thugs and mercenaries to seize control of all 30 local government area secretariats in Osun State, while the presidency and APC leadership remained silent.
“In Osun State, the APC orchestrated a full-scale assault on the democratic process, attempting to hijack the local government elections through brute force,” Atiku stated.
He added that:
“Armed thugs and mercenaries, operating under the party’s protection, launched an audacious bid to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats. And yet, the so-called national leadership of the APC and the presidency watched in complicit silence.”
Atiku commended Osun citizens for resisting the APC’s alleged attempts to subvert democracy, saying their resilience serves as a beacon of hope.
Calls for Security Agencies to Uphold Democracy
Atiku urged security agencies deployed for the elections to uphold their constitutional duty and resist any attempts to be used as enforcers of the APC’s political agenda.
“These are dangerous times. The APC has abandoned any pretense of democratic legitimacy, resorting instead to brute force in its bid to cling to power — even as the people have overwhelmingly rejected it,” he stated.
He further accused Tinubu’s administration of attempting to subvert democracy nationwide and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against what he termed a “power-drunk regime”.
“President Bola A. Tinubu and his dwindling band of enablers must cease their reckless acts of political sabotage — not just in Osun or Lagos, but across Nigeria. The people demand governance, not chaos,” Atiku concluded.
This is the second time in two days that Atiku has called out President Tinubu. On Monday, he accused Tinubu of interfering in state matters, further escalating the political face-off between both leaders.
The APC has yet to officially respond to Atiku’s latest allegations.
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