Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly condemned the recent violent attacks against Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Manir Muhammad Dan'iya, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State. In his statement, Atiku accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation tactics against opposition figures, calling the situation alarming for Nigeria's democracy. He expressed his concerns through a post on his verified X handle, highlighting the implications of such actions for the nation's political landscape.

Atiku's remarks came after Sowore was attacked during a campaign event in Ekiti, while ADC supporters faced violence in Sokoto. The former Vice President characterized these incidents as indicative of a broader trend, warning that Nigeria is "drifting to dictatorship" under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that the erosion of democratic norms poses a significant threat to the country's future and urged for immediate action to protect the rights of all political participants.S1S2

The ADC, represented by Dan'iya, has also raised alarms regarding the safety of its supporters, calling for a thorough investigation into the attacks. The Sokoto State Police Command has been urged to ensure the protection of political candidates and their supporters as the country approaches the upcoming elections, which are critical for the democratic process in Nigeria. Atiku's condemnation reflects growing concerns among opposition leaders about the state of political freedom and safety in the country as tensions rise ahead of the polls.S1S2