A civil society organization, Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over their newly formed political coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed on Sunday by its Director of Strategic Communication, AbdulRazak Ahmed, DWI dismissed the coalition as an attempt by failed politicians to deceive Nigerians and rebrand themselves as defenders of democracy.
“The Democracy Watch Initiative DWI notes with grave concern that since 1999, political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s governance landscape, often contributing to the very crises they now seek to address,” the group stated.
DWI accused Atiku and El-Rufai of being key players in past administrations that made controversial economic decisions, including the handling of fuel subsidies, which they say worsened economic hardship for Nigerians.
“Furthermore, these leaders have witnessed, and arguably facilitated, the plundering of national resources and a significant compromise of national security, resulting in widespread violence and the displacement of countless communities,” the statement continued.
The group questioned the sincerity of the coalition, arguing that those involved—including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal—were part of the very system they now criticize.
“It is essential for Nigerians to remember that these politicians were not merely bystanders in the political process; they were key players who benefited from the very systems they now denounce,” DWI said.
The organization also condemned the coalition’s stance on recent political developments, including its opposition to the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
“In a misguided effort to position themselves as champions of democracy, Atiku and his companions have condemned the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional. Yet, it is both shameless and embarrassing for leaders like Atiku and El-Rufai, who once thrived under the very system they now criticize, to present themselves as saviors of Nigerian democracy,” the statement read.
DWI urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be swayed by what it called “hollow promises” from the coalition’s members.
“The Democracy Watch Initiative serves as a crucial reminder to Nigerians that these individuals lack the competence and moral authority to lead. Their track record is marred by complicity in decisions that have led to the current state of despair in Nigeria,” the group said.
Concluding its statement, DWI dismissed the coalition as a “desperate grasp for power” and called for fresh leadership in Nigeria.
“The future of our nation demands leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over their own ambitions, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who have failed us do not return to power,” the statement added.
