APC’s ‘snatch, grab, and run’ agenda, threat to democracy – Atiku

<p>Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through what he termed as the party’s “snatch, grab and run” agenda.</p>, <p>Atiku, through his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, expressed concern that the actions of the ruling party are detrimental to the democratic principles that require the accommodation of opposition and diverse viewpoints.</p>, <p>Atiku, in a statement, explained that the ideal notion of democracy does not just reside in a representative government but is essentially rooted in the plurality of ideas, saying for a system to be seen as truly democratic, it must necessarily accommodate opposition and opposing views.</p>, <p>The former Vice President cited instances of what he views as a narrowing engagement of opposition by the ruling party, claiming that opposition parties are being systematically marginalized through electoral processes and post-election court proceedings where the judiciary appears to be favouring the APC.</p>, <p>He highlighted controversial court declarations in opposition-controlled states like Nasarawa, Kano, Zamfara, and Plateau, suggesting a trend where the courts allegedly deliver what the ruling party missed on Election Day.</p>, <p>According to Atiku, these occurrences are ominous signs that not only challenge faith in the electoral and judicial systems but also indicate a compromise of Nigeria’s democracy.</p>, <p>“These are ominous signs that threaten not just our faith in the electoral and judicial system but evidence that our democracy is compromised.</p>, <p>“It is also crystal clear that the ruling party will not desist from this inglorious ideology of ‘snatch, grab and run away with power.’</p>, <p>“It is even more worrisome that what is playing out now in the Plateau governorship election petition is a confirmation of the threat echoed by an APC lawmaker in a viral video that the ruling party will co