Atiku Accuses Tinubu’s Government Of Paying Opposition Leaders N50m To Undermine Democracy

Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is paying opposition leaders N50 million each to weaken Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja on Monday, Atiku warned that democracy in Nigeria is on the verge of collapse if urgent action is not taken.

“I want to say this publicly. I met with the leadership of a political party in the opposition, and they told me that this government gives them N50 million each. Some of you here might also be recipients of this money from the APC government. Do we really want to fight for democracy?” Atiku stated.

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He lamented the erosion of democratic principles, accusing the current National Assembly of being a “rubber stamp” for the government and questioning the integrity of the electoral body.

Atiku cited Turkey’s electoral system as an example Nigeria should follow, pointing to its refusal to declare a president-elect who did not meet the vote threshold as a demonstration of electoral integrity.

The former vice president also called on opposition parties to unite in defense of democracy, reflecting on his personal sacrifices, including threats to his life, the seizure of his businesses, and periods of exile.

“If we don’t unite and act, we may wake up one day to find that democracy no longer exists in Nigeria. God forbid,” he concluded.