 to){kind=link}
The Presidency has rejected comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar likening governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to military rule, describing the remarks as misleading and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic record.
Responding to the claim, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that the comparison falsely equates an elected government with authoritarian regimes and overlooks the realities of democratic governance.
Atiku reportedly made the comments at a public event in Abuja, where he alleged that the APC-led administration represents the worst form of governance he has witnessed in nearly 40 years of political involvement.
The remarks were delivered during the presentation of a book authored by Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), an event that drew politicians and public commentators.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle, Dare said it was troubling for a former Vice President who served under a constitutional democracy to draw parallels between civilian rule and military dictatorship.
“Such assertions distort history and trivialise the suffering Nigerians endured under military regimes,” he said.
Moreover, Dare recalled that military governments were characterised by the suspension of civil liberties, suppression of dissent, and arbitrary detention.
He argued that those conditions are fundamentally different from the present political environment.
According to him, the continued freedom of opposition figures to criticise government policies, hold meetings, and participate openly in politics underscores Nigeria’s democratic standing.
“These liberties exist because we are operating under democracy, not decrees,” Dare said.
Furthermore, the presidential aide accused Atiku of repeatedly using exaggerated rhetoric to weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly after unfavourable electoral outcomes.
He insisted that policy disagreements should not be framed as proof of authoritarian rule.
Defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Dare maintained that ongoing economic and structural reforms, though challenging, are products of a government elected by the people.
“This administration remains accountable to Nigerians and subject to democratic checks,” he said.
Hence, the Presidency urged political leaders to engage in constructive criticism, warning that reckless comparisons with military rule could erode trust in democratic institutions rather than strengthen them.