Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against relying on food palliatives as a strategy for political legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that distributing items such as rice, spaghetti, and noodles may provide temporary relief to citizens but cannot replace public trust or determine electoral success.
“Bags of rice and other food items may ease hardship momentarily, but they cannot secure legitimacy at the ballot box,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party also raised concerns about what he described as the growing concentration of power within the ruling party, warning that such dominance could weaken democratic competition.
According to him, despite the increasing alignment of state governors with the ruling party, there appears to be an underlying fear of credible opposition and the will of the electorate.
Atiku further alleged that opposition parties are being weakened through internal crises and judicial actions, while also criticising what he described as the misuse of state institutions against political opponents.
He warned that if the current trend continues, Nigeria risks drifting toward a one-party system where elections exist in form but lack genuine competition.
“Leadership should be determined by the people, not by the control of institutions or suppression of dissent,” he said.
Atiku concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged as the country approaches the next election cycle, stressing the importance of preserving democratic values and ensuring that voters retain the power of choice.
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