Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the police summons issued to former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku described the move as part of a troubling pattern of political intimidation under the Tinubu administration.
The Kaduna State Police Command invited El-Rufai and seven ADC leaders for questioning on allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement, and causing public disturbance.
A letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Uzainu Abdullahi, instructed the ADC state chairman to present the accused individuals on September 8.
Reacting to the summons, Atiku warned that such actions, including incidents in Katsina and other states, signaled a dangerous drift toward authoritarianism.
He pointed out that these were not isolated events, but part of a coordinated attack on dissent and civic freedoms. Atiku emphasized that criminalizing opposition and misusing security forces against political rivals threatened Nigeria’s democracy.
The former vice president urged Nigerians from all political parties to defend democracy and safeguard civic rights. He reminded citizens that power is temporary and that history would judge those who abuse it.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he said, stressing the need for unity and the protection of democratic values.
Atiku’s statement has sparked widespread discussion, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the state of the country’s political freedoms and democracy.
