Atiku condemns Lagos Assembly invasion, warns of growing threats to democracy

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by armed security operatives, describing it as “utterly reprehensible” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement, Atiku called for a full and thorough investigation into the incident, expressing shock that the operatives were reportedly acting under a directive to enforce a leadership change in the House.

“It is appalling that those who once claimed to have fought for democracy are now sanctioning this crass desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body, putting our hard-earned democracy in jeopardy,” Atiku stated.

He described the act as an “attack on the sanctity of democracy” and an insult to Nigerian voters, particularly the people of Lagos.

While acknowledging that leadership crises in a legislative house are not uncommon in a democracy, he maintained that inviting armed security operatives to resolve such disputes was unacceptable.

Reacting to the incident, political analyst Dr. Samuel Adewale warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria.

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“The use of force to settle political disputes is a slippery slope that undermines the credibility of our democratic institutions,” he said. “It erodes public trust and creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.”

Similarly, legal expert and constitutional lawyer, Barrister Ifeoma Okoye, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law.

“Legislative autonomy is fundamental to a functioning democracy. Any external interference, particularly one involving security operatives, is an overreach that should be thoroughly investigated,” she remarked.

Atiku further criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of interfering in state matters instead of addressing Nigeria’s broader challenges.

“Tinubu should focus on bringing Nigeria out of the mess he plunged the country into rather than interfering in state affairs,” he added.

The former vice president called on all democratic institutions and Nigerians to resist any attempts to undermine democratic principles and the rule of law.

He urged civil society organizations and international partners to remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable for actions that threaten democracy.

The incident has sparked widespread debate among political observers, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in governance.

As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely to see how authorities will respond to this alarming development.