A prominent opposition figure, Dr. Umar Ardo, has raised the alarm over a recent wave of political violence, warning that it poses a direct threat to the country’s democracy.
In a recent press statement, Ardo expressed deep concern about a disturbing pattern of attacks and intimidation targeting opposition figures.
According to Ardo, the past week has seen several unsettling incidents. He cited the attack on Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna, the assault on the convoy of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami in Kebbi, and the violent dispersal of elders in Katsina who were meeting to discuss insecurity.
What’s even more shocking, Ardo noted, is the response from the authorities. Instead of bringing the attackers to justice, the police have invited El-Rufai and seven members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for questioning.
The charges against them are said to be related to conspiracy, incitement, and public disturbance. Ardo called this a “perversion of justice” that is simply unacceptable.
He went on to describe these actions as a deliberate strategy by the current government to use thugs to silence dissent, and then use state institutions to criminalize those who speak out.
Ardo believes these tactics are not only undermining the rule of law and creating a climate of fear, but are also chipping away at the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.
Looking ahead, Ardo warned of the potential consequences if this dangerous trend continues. He fears that Nigeria could descend into a state where political violence, rather than a competition of ideas, becomes the primary way to gain power.
Such a situation, he cautioned, would ultimately ruin the integrity of the 2027 general elections and lead to widespread instability.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Ardo made a direct appeal to the APC government and President Bola Tinubu to put a stop to these undemocratic practices.
He also urged the police to uphold their constitutional duty to be impartial. For democracy to truly thrive, he stressed, opposition must be respected, dissent must be protected, and justice must be free from political bias.
