Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 18/Feb 18:18

Osun LG Polls: Atiku accuses APC of assault on democracy

Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged attempts to hijack the local government elections in Osun State, describing it as a “full-blown assault on democracy.”In a statement issued on Tuesday, Atiku accused the ruling party of deploying armed thugs to seize control of the 30 local government secretariats in the state. He alleged that the actions of the APC were a desperate attempt to retain power by force, rather than through democratic means.“The APC orchestrated a full-scale assault on the democratic process, attempting to hijack the local government elections through brute force. Armed thugs and mercenaries, operating under the party’s protection, launched an audacious bid to seize control of all 30 local government area council secretariats,” he stated.Atiku praised the people of Osun for resisting what he described as an "onslaught on democracy," stating that their resilience had prevented the state from falling under the control of "political marauders." He called on security agencies to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and ensure that the elections are free from intimidation and violence.“The people of Osun have shown beyond doubt that they will not allow their electoral rights to be stolen. We demand that security agencies deployed for the elections uphold their duty with professionalism, refusing to be used as enforcers of APC’s criminal agenda. The world is watching,” Atiku warned.He further accused President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership of abandoning democratic principles, warning that such actions could destabilize the country.Atiku urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to undermine democracy. “Nigerians will not sit idly while their democracy is hijacked by a power-drunk regime intent on setting the country on fire. Enough is enough,” he declared.The statement comes amid rising political tensions in Osun State as the local government elections approach. Security agencies are yet to respond to Atiku’s allegations, but concerns remain over the conduct of the polls and the potential for electoral violence.