Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the police summons issued to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that Nigeria risks “slipping into authoritarian rule” under the current administration.
The Kaduna State Police Command had on Thursday invited El-Rufai and seven ADC officials for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous harm.
A letter signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Uzainu Abdullahi, directed the ADC chairman in the state to present those summoned at the State CID in Kaduna on September 8. Those listed include Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed (popularly known as “30”), Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini (also called “Mikiya”).
Reacting on Friday through a statement on his verified social media handles, Atiku described the development as part of a “growing pattern of political intimidation” under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
“The summons of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and leaders of the ADC in Kaduna, the brazen attack on former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and the violent disruption of the Katsina Elders Forum meeting on security reforms are not isolated incidents,” Atiku wrote. “They signify a coordinated and dangerous assault on dissenting voices, civic freedoms, and the very essence of pluralistic democracy.”
The former vice president warned that the increasing use of security agencies against opposition figures amounted to criminalizing dissent and undermined Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“Power is transient,” he cautioned. “But history will harshly judge those who wield it against the people instead of in their service. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party or any single individual.”
Atiku urged Nigerians across party lines to defend democratic freedoms, stressing that the responsibility of safeguarding civic space should not be left only to opposition politicians.
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