The ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s silence over the situation in the Lagos State House of Assembly as a clear approval of anti-democratic tendencies.
In his Thursday statement by his media spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku bemoaned “backdoor tactics” and the application of state-sponsored security officials to reverse the ousting of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, ousted by the lawmakers’ majority.
Obasa had raided the Lagos Assembly complex earlier, refusing to step down as Speaker in defiance of the protests of the majority of house members.
Atiku indicated that the fact that Tinubu failed to intervene is a reflection of his dedication to democratic values, particularly in light of recent comments by ex-governor of Kaduna State Nasir el-Rufai accusing Tinubu of selective political domination.
“Despite his undisputed influence over Lagos politics, President Bola Tinubu has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic maneuvers aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members,” Atiku stated.
He further accused Tinubu of turning Lagos politics into a battle between the noble values of Omoluabi—rooted in integrity, fairness, and public service—and the crude, strong-arm tactics of Area Boy politics, where power is retained through coercion rather than consensus.
Atiku called on the president to publicly denounce any attempt to undermine democracy in Lagos and to ensure that due process is upheld.
“Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in defending the sanctity of our democratic institutions,” he added.
