Atiku Abubakar Critiques Nigeria's Democratic Decline

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and a member of the African Democratic Congress, delivered a keynote address on Democracy Day in Abuja, expressing concern that the ideals of democracy have been abandoned. He highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria, including a staggering 7-11% defense budget, rising insecurity, and a cost-of-living crisis that has made basic necessities unaffordable for many citizens.

Abubakar noted that youth unemployment has reached epidemic proportions, leading to a brain drain as talented individuals seek better opportunities abroad. He criticized the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, stating that many Nigerians feel that elections do not reflect their wishes and that democratic institutions are being weaponized against the populace.

Abubakar lamented the increasing violence and insecurity, which have become daily realities for citizens, and called for a return to the principles of freedom, transparency, and social justice to rebuild Nigeria's future.