Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong disapproval of a proposal within the National Assembly that suggests suspending political campaign activities in eight northern Nigerian states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The states identified for this proposed campaign halt include Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and portions of Kano. The rationale provided for this suggestion centres on the prevailing insecurity in these regions.
In a statement released on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku Abubakar asserted that this proposal represents a deliberate effort to suppress voter participation and disenfranchise citizens in the affected states. He emphasized that the right to vote and engage in the electoral process is a fundamental freedom that should not be curtailed under any pretext.
"Let it be clearly stated: the right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise. Any attempt—whether deliberate or disguised—to suppress political activities in parts of Northern Nigeria raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement," he stated.
The suggestion was reportedly made during a Senate plenary session by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District. Senator Ningi referenced the escalating insecurity, including insurgency, banditry, and terrorism, across parts of Northern Nigeria as reasons why political activities might need to be temporarily paused to safeguard electoral integrity.
Atiku, who has been a vocal figure in political discourse regarding the upcoming elections, dismissed the idea of suspending campaigns. He argued that insecurity is a symptom of governmental failure and should not be used as a justification to restrict democratic rights. He contended that rather than silencing voices, the government should address the root causes of insecurity.
"This is not merely about campaigns; it is about representation, inclusion, and the integrity of our democratic process. You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure," Atiku Abubakar declared.
He further warned that any policy that appears to target specific regions for exclusion would likely erode trust and exacerbate national divisions, particularly at a time when citizens are already facing hardships and security challenges. He stressed that no part of Nigeria should be excluded from the electoral process due to the government's inability to provide adequate security.
"Nigeria must never descend into a situation where elections are shaped by exclusion, fear, or administrative manipulation. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching and better imagined than experienced," he cautioned.
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