2027: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot To Disenfranchise Northern Electorate Over Insecurity
By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has alleged that the Nigeria’s legislature, particularly the red chamber, is planning to halt political campaigns in eight Northern states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ex-VP stated that the insecurity ravaging the North will be used as a pretext for the alleged move adding that Nigerians should not be excluded from exercising their franchise regardless of their location. saying, “democracy must not become a casualty of government failure.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the development as deeply troubling and fraught with dangerous implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
“Let it be clearly stated: the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise. Any attempt—whether deliberate or disguised—to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement,” Atiku said.
He recalled that credible intelligence had earlier pointed to possible plans to weaken electoral participation in key Northern states, warning that recent developments appear to be lending credence to those fears.
“This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process. You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure,” he added.
He continued, “At a time when citizens are already battling hardship and insecurity, the least the government can do is to guarantee their right to be heard—not to restrict it. Any policy that creates the impression of targeted exclusion will only deepen distrust and national division,” he warned.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately clarify their position and reassure Nigerians that no region will be denied its constitutional rights.
“Nigeria must never descend into a situation where elections are shaped by exclusion, fear, or administrative manipulation. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching and better imagined than experienced,” Atiku cautioned.
Many states in the Northern region, particularly in the North-east and North-central, have become hotspots of insurgency.
Recently, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa, Borno, and other states in the region have witnessed a surge in kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
The tragic developments have sparked outrage against the Tinubu administration as many Nigerians are of the opinion that the government’s approach to fighting insecurity has been cosmetic and ineffective.
