Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that a proposal to suspend political campaigns in eight northern states could disenfranchise voters and undermine Nigeria’s democratic process. The comment came after media reports that the Senate was considering a temporary halt to campaigning in the areas most affected by insecurity.
In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the purported plan as “deeply troubling.” He stressed that while insecurity remains a serious national challenge, it should not be used to curtail citizens’ constitutional rights. “The right to vote and participate in the electoral process is fundamental and cannot be abridged under any guise,” he said.
Atiku said any effort—whether overt or covert—to suppress political activities in the north raises legitimate concerns about disenfranchisement. He recalled earlier intelligence reports that warned of attempts to weaken voter participation in key northern states and said recent developments appear to confirm those fears. According to the former vice president, the issue extends beyond campaign activities to core democratic principles such as representation, inclusion and electoral integrity.
“You cannot cure insecurity by silencing the voices of the people. Democracy must not become a casualty of government failure,” Atiku added. He urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to clarify their positions and assure citizens that no region will be excluded from the electoral process.
Atiku warned that policies perceived as targeting specific regions could deepen public mistrust and widen national divisions. “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,” he cautioned.
The former vice‑president called on all stakeholders to uphold fairness, equity and national unity, emphasizing the need to preserve an inclusive, transparent and credible democratic system across the country. He reiterated that Nigerians, especially those in the north, should not be forced to choose between security and their democratic rights; both must be guaranteed simultaneously.
The Senate has not yet confirmed whether it will adopt the proposed suspension, and INEC has not released an official statement on the matter. The issue is likely to feature prominently in upcoming debates about how to balance security concerns with the fundamental right to vote as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
