April 14, 2026 | Politics | SUNTV Global
Nigeria’s political space is heating up as former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a fierce attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of attempting to frustrate the opposition through intimidation tactics.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, Atiku alleged that agents of the government are mounting pressure on the management of the Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja, threatening to revoke its operational licence simply for agreeing to host the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Describing the move as “shameful” and “cowardly,” Atiku said such actions expose what he called a dangerous abuse of power and a growing pattern of political suppression.
“Coercing a private business to deny a lawful political gathering is not governance — it is desperation,” he declared.
Atiku warned that the alleged interference goes beyond politics, calling it a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundation. According to him, forcing businesses to reject opposition activities signals a government “that has lost the people and now resorts to intimidation.”
He maintained that the ADC fulfilled all contractual and financial requirements for the venue, stressing that the party has committed no wrongdoing.
“Our only offence is organising and preparing to challenge this government in 2027,” he stated.
Earlier, the ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed that the venue owner allegedly received warnings linked to officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
He specifically mentioned the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, claiming threats were made that the centre’s licence would be revoked if the event goes ahead.
Despite the pressure, Abdullahi insisted the party would not back down:
“We have met all obligations. We will hold our convention as planned.
Atiku ended his statement with a defiant message, vowing that neither intimidation nor political pressure would stop the opposition’s momentum.
“This is how democracies die — through small, calculated acts. But we will not be silenced. The convention will hold. The ADC will rise. Nigeria will rise with it.”
The controversy has sparked fresh concerns about political freedom and the right to assembly in Nigeria, with observers warning that the situation could test the country’s democratic resilience ahead of the 2027 elections.
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