Atiku warns against campaign suspension in Borno, Benue, others

The Nigerian political landscape is abuzz with concerns over potential restrictions on democratic processes, particularly in the northern regions grappling with escalating insecurity. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong opposition to any move to suspend political campaigns in these areas, issuing a stern warning that such actions could undermine fundamental constitutional rights and deepen fears of disenfranchisement.

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Let it be clearly stated that the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise.

Abubakar's statement, issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, directly addresses reports that the Senate might consider halting political activities in states like Borno, Benue, and Plateau. He contends that while insecurity is a grave national challenge, it must not serve as a justification for curtailing democratic participation. "Let it be clearly stated that the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise," Abubakar asserted, framing the issue as a matter of representation and inclusion.

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Any attempt—whether deliberate or disguised—to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement.

This stance by Abubakar aligns with broader anxieties within Nigeria about the potential for security challenges to be exploited to suppress political freedoms. He alluded to earlier intelligence suggesting possible efforts to weaken electoral participation in key northern states, suggesting that current developments could reinforce these concerns. "This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process," he emphasized, adding a critical note that "You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure."

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This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process.

Abubakar's message resonates with the principle that citizens, regardless of their location, deserve both security and the full exercise of their democratic rights. He stressed that the government's responsibility is to guarantee security while simultaneously allowing citizens to freely exercise their civic rights without fear. The former vice president urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and President Bola Tinubu's administration to provide clarity and reassurance that no part of Nigeria will be denied its constitutional rights, highlighting that any perception of targeted exclusion would only exacerbate distrust and national division.

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You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure.