Atiku criticises Tinubu’s silence, allowing “crude, strong-arm tactics of area boy politics”
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in defending the sanctity of our democratic institutions” – Atiku.
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Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to quell the fracas over the speakership post in the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing it as an endorsement of anti-democratic tactics.
A statement Atiku issued through his Media Aide Paul Ibe condemned “backdoor tactics” and the use of state-backed security forces to reverse the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa despite his impeachment by the majority of lawmakers.
Obasa stormed the Lagos Assembly complex on Thursday insisting he remained Speaker amid opposition from most members of the Assembly .
Atiku said Tinubu’s refusal to intervene raises concerns about his commitment to democratic principles, especially in light of recent allegation by former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai that Tinubu engages in selective political control.
“Despite his undisputed influence over Lagos politics, President Bola Tinubu has remained conspicuously silent on the matter.
“His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic maneuvers aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members,” the statement said.
Atiku also accused Tinubu of turning Lagos politics into a battle between the noble values of Omoluabi – rooted in integrity, fairness, and public service – and the crude, strong-arm tactics of area boy politics, where power is retained through coercion rather than consensus.
He asked Tinubu to publicly denounce any attempt to undermine democracy in Lagos and to ensure that due process is upheld.
“Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in defending the sanctity of our democratic institutions.”
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