October 1: Nigeria yet to experience free and fair election – Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has stated that Nigeria is yet to have a genuinely free & fair election, 64 years after independence.

Atiku, disclosed this in an Independence Day message to Nigerians on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

According to him, “Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity,

On this special day, as we take a moment to reflect on and celebrate 64 years of our nation’s independence and nationhood, we feel a deep sense of pride in the enduring establishment of democracy here in Nigeria. This celebration is particularly meaningful as it highlights the remarkable achievement of having the longest continuous period of democratic governance in our entire history, which is something we can all be proud of.

ALSO READ: Oct. 1: Police guard protests in Lagos

However, as we look back on our journey, it is clear that while democracy has laid a solid foundation for our institutions based on the important principles of the rule of law, we still have significant work ahead of us. We have not yet made the kind of satisfactory progress we desire in fostering political inclusivity for all citizens, nor have we ensured that our elections are genuinely free and fair for everyone involved.

As we reflect on our past, we must remember the vision and determination of our founding fathers. They were united under a common cause and devoted themselves to championing our independence through peaceful means and political activism. Their commitment serves as a guiding light as we continue to strive for the ideals they fought for on our behalf.