‘Don’t silence voters over insecurity’- Atiku warns Senate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against moves to suspend political campaigns in parts of Northern Nigeria, warning that such a step could undermine constitutional rights and deepen fears of disenfranchisement amid worsening insecurity.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Mr Atiku described the development as troubling, stressing that insecurity must not be used to justify limiting democratic participation.

“Let it be clearly stated that the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise,” Mr Atiku said.

“Any attempt, whether deliberate or disguised, to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement.”

Mr Atiku’s reaction follows reports that the Senate may be considering the suspension of political activities in several states affected by violence, including Borno State, Benue State and Plateau State.

Warning over democratic integrity

Mr Atiku warned that proposals to halt campaigns could erode trust in the democratic process and reinforce fears of exclusion.

“This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process,” he said.

“You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure.”

He added that citizens in the North deserve both security and full participation in the electoral process without compromise.

Call for clarity from authorities

The former vice president called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clarify their positions.

Mr Atiku urged authorities to reassure Nigerians that no region would be denied its constitutional rights.

“At a time when citizens are already battling hardship and insecurity, the least the government can do is to guarantee their right to be heard, not to restrict it,” he said.

“Any policy that creates the impression of targeted exclusion will only deepen distrust and national division.”

Senate proposal

The controversy follows a proposal by Senator Abdul Ningi, who urged the Senate to consider emergency measures, including suspending political activities in states worst hit by insecurity.

Raising the issue during plenary, Mr Ningi said urgent action was needed in states such as Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano.

“One of the things that we must do… is either to suspend all political activities across this country or look at the frontline states,” Mr Ningi said.

“We need to suspend activities in these states until we are sufficiently certain that the insecurity challenges are over.”

The proposal comes amid renewed concerns over escalating attacks by insurgent groups, including Boko Haram, particularly in the North-East and parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.

Recent incidents include coordinated assaults on military formations and threats to rescue operations for abducted civilians, heightening calls for decisive security measures.

However, Mr Atiku maintained that while addressing insecurity is critical, it must not come at the cost of democratic freedoms.

The debate highlights growing tension between national security priorities and the protection of electoral rights as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.