Atiku accuses Tinubu of bribing opposition leaders

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has made serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that opposition leaders are being paid N50 million each to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Atiku revealed this at a national conference on strengthening democracy, organized by various civic organizations in Abuja on Monday.

Atiku’s statement marked a sharp critique of the current government, as he warned that Nigeria’s democracy was on the verge of collapse unless immediate action was taken.

According to Atiku, “I want to say it here publicly. I met with a political party leadership in the present opposition, and they told me flatly that this government gives them N50 million each.”

He went on to suggest that some individuals at the conference might be recipients of such funds. “If we are not careful, we are talking to some of you here, but you are recipients of the N50 million from the APC government. Do we really want to fight for democracy?” he added.

The former vice president expressed concern over the erosion of democratic values in the country, particularly criticizing the National Assembly for being a “rubber stamp” to the executive branch.

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He also raised serious doubts about the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral body, alluding to what he described as its compromised integrity.

Atiku referenced Turkey’s electoral process as a model, citing an example where Turkey’s electoral body refused to declare a president-elect who failed to meet the required vote threshold.

He suggested that this stance demonstrated a level of electoral integrity Nigeria should aim to emulate.

The former PDP candidate also called for unity among opposition parties, highlighting the personal sacrifices he has made over the years for democracy.

Atiku recalled the hardships he endured, including an attempt on his life, the seizure of his businesses, and exile, all of which he framed as part of his long struggle for democratic values in Nigeria.

“If we don’t unite and take action, we may end up with no democracy at all. God forbid,” Atiku warned, stressing the urgency of preserving Nigeria’s democratic institutions and values.

His remarks underscore the mounting tensions in the country’s political landscape and the challenges facing its democratic future.