The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken Nigeria’s democracy by allegedly plotting to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a statement issued on Saturday, Atiku reacted to a court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

The former Vice President alleged that attempts to deregister the party through judicial means reflected what he described as the Tinubu administration’s determination to suppress political opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He warned that any move aimed at restricting political competition or reducing voters’ choices could pave the way for a one-party state and pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

According to Atiku, recent actions and political developments have raised concerns about the administration’s commitment to democratic principles.

“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” he said.

Atiku maintained that preserving a multi-party democracy is essential to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring credible electoral competition in the country.