Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against moves to suspend political campaigns in parts of Northern Nigeria, warning that such a step could undermine constitutional rights and deepen fears of disenfranchisement amid worsening insecurity.
Atiku’s reaction follows reports that the Senate may be weighing the suspension of political activities in eight states grappling with escalating violence, including Borno, Benue and Plateau.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress described the development as deeply troubling, noting that while insecurity remained a grave national challenge, it must not be used to justify restrictions on democratic participation.
He said, “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.
“Any attempt whether deliberate or disguised to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement.”
Atiku recalled earlier intelligence suggesting possible efforts to weaken electoral participation in key northern states, warning that recent developments appeared to reinforce such concerns.
“This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process.
“You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure,” he added.
The former vice president stressed that citizens in the North, like their counterparts across the country, deserved both security and full democratic participation, insisting that neither should come at the expense of the other.