Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of targeting opposition figures in a bid to weaken political challengers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, speaking through his media aide, AbdurRashid Shehu Sharada, described recent events as part of “a calculated assault” on opposition voices. He cited incidents including the police invitation of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and attacks on opposition members in Kebbi and Katsina states.
He alleged that supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were brutalised in Kebbi, while a political meeting in Katsina, led by elder statesman Usman Bugaje, was disrupted. Atiku also criticised the police for inviting El-Rufai and other opposition leaders for questioning after an ADC event in Kaduna, rather than arresting those who disrupted the meeting.
Responding to the allegations, presidential spokesperson Abdul’Aziz Abdul’Aziz denied any government involvement in the incidents. He stated that El-Rufai’s invitation was due to comments he made at the Kaduna event and reports of armed supporters present. He further insisted that the federal government had no role in the incidents reported in Kebbi and Katsina.
The clash highlights growing political tensions as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
