Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed serious concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that it risks total collapse if pressing issues are not addressed promptly.

Speaking on Monday, January 27, at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria held in Abuja, Atiku described the country’s democratic system as being “at a crossroads,” calling for immediate corrective measures to safeguard its future.

“There’s no doubt that our democracy is at a crossroads. Put simply, it is at the risk of eroding completely. And it is not caused by one single person or one single administration,” he said.

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties, suggesting a coalition or merger to effectively challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also identified “state capture” as a significant hurdle to democratic progress, arguing that it has blocked pathways for meaningful reform.

Underscoring his dedication to democratic values, Atiku highlighted his role in initiating legal battles that have led to landmark judicial rulings aimed at strengthening democracy. He defined democracy as a system where citizens enjoy the freedom to choose their leaders, leaders remain accountable through periodic elections, and non-compliance faces consequences such as rejection at the polls.

Atiku called for vigilance and collective efforts to address the systemic challenges undermining Nigeria’s democratic principles. He warned that failure to act decisively could lead to further decline, jeopardizing the nation’s political and social stability.

The remarks have reignited discussions about the state of governance in Nigeria and the role of opposition unity in shaping the country’s democratic future.