In a fiery statement, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, accused President Bola Tinubu of plotting to dissolve Nigeria’s opposition parties—PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP—to enforce a one-party state in 2027.
Ibe described Tinubu’s intentions as dictatorial, aiming to weaken democratic foundations in favour of consolidating power under a single party.
Speaking with News Central TV, Ibe criticised Tinubu’s alleged strategy of targeting opposition parties while ignoring pressing issues faced by Nigerians.
“What we should be focused on now is that Nigerians are suffering,” he said. “Instead of governing, all his calculations are towards how to suppress the opposition parties, destroy the PDP, destroy Labour Party, destroy NNPP, and pave a way for dictatorship and a one-party state.”
He also addressed claims labelling Atiku as self-serving, countering that the former Vice President’s candidacy in 2023 was rooted in patriotism, not self-interest.
“Atiku is not selfish by choosing to run; it’s patriotism,” Ibe stated.
He also condemned party defection by former PDP member Nyesom Wike, now an ally of Tinubu’s administration, for undermining PDP unity.
According to Ibe, Tinubu’s focus on 2027 reflects a neglect of his current leadership role, as evidenced by what he described as continuous governance missteps.
“They continue to fumble and stumble in the act of governance,” Ibe remarked, attributing these failures to Tinubu’s singular focus on dismantling opposition rather than addressing Nigeria’s urgent needs.
Ibe’s remarks underscore growing tension between the PDP and the ruling administration, as allegations of authoritarian ambitions fuel concerns over Nigeria’s political future.
