Nigeria Atiku Condemns Police Invitation to El-Rufai as 'Assault on Civic Freedom'

The Digest:

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the police invitation to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, describing it as a "dangerous assault on civic freedoms." Atiku also cited other incidents across the country as evidence of a growing trend towards authoritarianism under the current administration.

Key Points:

• Atiku Abubakar condemned the police's invitation to former Governor El-Rufai and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
• The police invited the individuals for questioning on allegations of criminal conspiracy and public disturbance.
• Atiku cited similar incidents, including an attack on Abubakar Malami and the disruption of a meeting in Katsina, as part of a "coordinated assault on dissenting voices."
• He warned that criminalizing opposition could push Nigeria towards authoritarian rule.
• Atiku urged all Nigerians to recognize the urgency and make the defense of democracy a collective responsibility.
• He stated that Nigeria belongs to everyone, not just the ruling party.

Atiku's statement frames the police invitation to El-Rufai as a part of a wider, concerning trend of political suppression. By linking the Kaduna incident to similar events in other states, he is attempting to rally public support and highlight what he perceives as a threat to democratic principles.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria

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