Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence on the ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, calling it a tacit endorsement of anti-democratic tactics.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku condemned what he described as “backdoor tactics” and the use of state-backed security forces to reverse the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, despite his ousting by most lawmakers.
Obasa had earlier stormed the Lagos Assembly complex, insisting he remained Speaker, despite opposition from most members of the chamber.
Atiku argued that Tinubu’s refusal to intervene raises concerns about his commitment to democratic principles, especially in light of recent allegations by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, that Tinubu engages in selective political control.
“Despite his undisputed influence over Lagos politics, President Bola Tinubu has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic maneuvers aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members,” Atiku stated.
He further accused Tinubu of turning Lagos politics into a battle between the noble values of Omoluabi—rooted in integrity, fairness, and public service—and the crude, strong-arm tactics of Area Boy politics, where power is retained through coercion rather than consensus.
Atiku called on the president to publicly denounce any attempt to undermine democracy in Lagos and to ensure that due process is upheld.
“Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in defending the sanctity of our democratic institutions,” he added.
