Atiku lashed out at Tinubu for his silence over the Lagos parliamentary crisis.
Nigeria News Nalin Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu’s silence over the ongoing crisis in the Lagos State Capitol, saying it was a hidden endorsement of anti-democratic tactics.
In a statement issued Thursday, Atiku condemned what he called a “backdoor tactic” and used state-backed security forces to reverse the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa by most members of parliament.
Obasa had earlier attacked the Lagos parliamentary complex and insisted that he remained a spokesperson despite opposition from most chambers.
Atiku argues that Tinubu’s refusal to intervene raises concerns about his commitment to democratic principles, especially given the recent allegations made by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai that Tinubu is involved in selective political control.
“Although his influence on Lagos politics is undisputed, President Bra Tinubu remains significantly silent on the matter. His refusal to resolve the crisis, which shows that recognition of anti-democratic manipulation is designed to impose his preferred candidate and oppose the overwhelming willingness of members of the Congress,” Atiku said.
He further accused Tinubu of turning Lagos politics into Omoluabi’s aristocratic values (entrenched in integrity, fairness and public service) with the rough, powerful strategies of regional boy politics, in which power is retained through urgency rather than consensus.
Atiku called on the president to publicly condemn any attempt to undermine Lagos democracy and ensure due process is maintained.
“Democracy in Nigeria is hard and must not be destroyed by those who should be their most important guardians. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and firmly defend the sanctity of our democratic institutions,” he added.
