A former vice-president and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against using security agencies to silence opposition parties in the country.

In a statement posted on his personal X handle on Monday, Mr Abubakar said dissenting voices are crucial for democracy and good governance.

Although Mr Abubakar didn’t cite any particular incident, his comment might not be unconnected to an alleged plot to arrest his spokesman, Daniel Bwala.

Mr Bwala had in a statement on Monday claimed he was being targeted for arrest over trumped-up allegations by some powerful forces in the presidential villa.

The former vice-president stressed that, “recent revelations suggesting potential suppression of voices and trumped-up allegations against opposition figures are deeply troubling”.

“The ruling APC must refrain from any attempts to use our security agencies to harass or illegally detain any member or voice of the political opposition—and this call is not here limited to only members of my political party, but indeed all opposition voices, including the many individuals across the internet who speak up only to seek a better country,” Mr Abubakar added.

According to him, a vibrant democracy flourishes when dissenting voices are listened to, even if it makes those in authority uncomfortable.

He said: “The bedrock of any thriving democratic society is its ability to protect and respect contrarian viewpoints. Such viewpoints ensure that governance remains transparent and that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few.

“Arresting or silencing members of the opposition based on contrived charges is not only an affront to the principles of democracy but also a grave injustice to the very people who rely on the system for representation and justice.

“The government must avoid the temptation of conceding to the agenda of anti-democratic forces.

“The essence of democracy is not about comfort for those in power but about ensuring justice, liberty, and equality for all.

“Let us, as Nigerians, unite in upholding these principles and ensuring that every voice, no matter how contrary, is allowed its rightful place in the discourse.”

While urging Nigerians not to be cowed into silence, Mr Abubakar vowed to continue to exert his efforts to promoting democracy in the country.

“Democracy is a collective responsibility, and I urge Nigerians to never lose their voice or let themselves be cowed into silence,” he added.

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