Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubuâs administration of using political thugs and enforcers to intimidate opposition figures following separate reported attacks on African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in Ekiti State and African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Danâiya.
Atiku, who is associated with the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections, described the incidents as troubling and unacceptable, calling for immediate and transparent investigations.
He made the allegations in a statement published on his official X account, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to silence opposition voices and weaken political participation ahead of the next general elections.
The former vice president also expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of attacks against opposition figures and the unexplained disappearance of influential social media personalities.
He warned that such developments could push the country towards an environment where dissenting opinions are suppressed through intimidation and violence.
Atiku further criticised the alleged activities of political enforcers while President Tinubu was away on a spiritual pilgrimage, insisting that democracy cannot thrive where political intimidation is allowed.
âThese two realities cannot coexist in a democracy,â he stated.
He also alleged that a local security outfit in Sokoto State had been harassing ADC supporters and assaulting residents over their use of clothing and other materials bearing the partyâs insignia.
The accusations followed two separate incidents reported on Friday in Ekiti and Sokoto states.
In Ekiti, Sowore and members of his entourage were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti.
However, the Ekiti State Police Command offered a different account, stating that its operatives rescued Sowore following an altercation with some individuals at the restaurant.
The police said Sowore sustained minor injuries and was taken to the Police Hospital for treatment. The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, subsequently ordered an investigation into the incident.
In Sokoto, Danâiya accused personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps of attacking his convoy near the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport on Friday night.
He alleged that the security personnel blocked his convoy, fired gunshots, damaged vehicles and detained two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to his security team.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed receiving a report on the incident and said an investigation had commenced.
However, the APC in Sokoto State rejected the allegations, describing them as fabricated claims intended to attract public sympathy and discredit the state government.
The party maintained that security deployments in the state were connected to preparations for a traditional title conferment ceremony.
Reacting to the developments, Atiku urged the Federal Government to ensure that both incidents were thoroughly and transparently investigated.
He also called on the Tinubu administration to guarantee the safety of opposition politicians and their supporters, while ensuring that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are conducted without intimidation.
Atiku warned against any attempt to suppress opposition parties, insisting that Nigerians must be allowed to participate freely in the electoral process.
âWe 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,â he said.