By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against opposition figures following reported attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
Atiku described the alleged attacks, which he said occurred simultaneously, as troubling and unacceptable, accusing the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for opposition politicians and their supporters.
The former Vice President made the allegations in a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, October 31, 2026, where he called for immediate and transparent investigations into both incidents.
He expressed concern that the alleged attacks occurred while President Tinubu was away on a spiritual pilgrimage, accusing political enforcers and individuals loyal to the ruling party of unleashing violence against perceived political opponents.
Atiku also raised concerns over what he described as a growing pattern of attacks on opposition figures and the unexplained disappearance of some influential social media personalities, warning that such developments could undermine democratic freedoms and political participation.
He accused the Tinubu administration of creating conditions capable of weakening opposition activities and restricting freedom of expression ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former presidential candidate further alleged that a local security outfit in Sokoto State had been harassing ADC supporters and physically assaulting residents for wearing clothing and other campaign materials bearing the party’s insignia.
“I have it on good authority that a local security outfit in Sokoto State has been harassing ADC supporters, manhandling citizens simply for wearing ADC merchandise,” he stated.
Atiku consequently demanded a thorough investigation into the reported attacks and urged the Federal Government to ensure that opposition politicians and their supporters could freely exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or harassment.
He also called on the Tinubu administration to guarantee a free, fair and competitive electoral process, insisting that political differences should not be settled through violence or coercion.
Declaring his opposition to any attempt to suppress alternative political voices, Atiku said Nigerians must be allowed to participate freely in the electoral process and determine the country’s political direction.
“We shall resist every ongoing attempt to cancel political opposition in Nigeria. The ruling APC has failed in its mandate. Nigerians must be allowed to freely participate in an electoral contest that will determine the fate of this administration,” he said.
The allegations have added to concerns over the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku insisting that the protection of opposition rights and the safety of political actors remain essential to democratic participation.
