Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the previous election, has levelled accusations against President Bola Tinubu and the All-Progressives Congress (APC), alleging the employment of clandestine strategies to subvert democracy.

In a statement released Monday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku drew parallels between President Tinubu's tactics during his tenure as governor in Lagos and the current administration's efforts to weaken opposition and transform the nation into a one-party state.

Atiku pointed fingers at the judiciary, asserting that it has willingly become a tool in the hands of the ruling party, characterized by a "cash and carry" approach. Expressing concern, he noted that states where controversial court decisions have been made are predominantly controlled by opposition parties, suggesting a trend of favourable outcomes for the ruling party through the judicial system.

The former vice president emphasized the alarming signs that challenge confidence in the electoral and judicial systems, indicating a compromised democracy. He criticized the ruling party for adhering to an ideology of 'snatch, grab, and run away with power.'

Highlighting the Plateau governorship election petition as a confirmation of threats made by an APC lawmaker in a viral video, Atiku urged individuals of good conscience to unite in safeguarding democracy from what he termed as "buccaneering power grabbers."

While acknowledging the familiarity of these tactics, particularly in Lagos, where Tinubu holds influence, Atiku recounted instances where opposition was stifled and even judges compelled to join the ruling party. He cited examples of opposition members facing intimidation and legal challenges, only to see charges dropped upon defection to the APC.

Atiku questioned the consistency and fairness of the judiciary, pointing out discrepancies in court decisions based on the political parties involved. He raised concerns about election cases where the order of declaration seemed to favour the APC, leading him to query the impartiality of the process.

In conclusion, Atiku expressed the need for individuals of goodwill to unite in a common patriotic purpose to counteract what he views as a threat to the nation's democratic values.