Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned against any move to suspend political campaigns in parts of Northern Nigeria, cautioning that such actions could erode constitutional rights and heighten fears of voter exclusion in regions already grappling with insecurity.
His reaction follows reports that the Senate is considering a proposal to halt political activities in several states affected by escalating violence, including Borno State, Benue State and Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former presidential candidate described the development as troubling. While acknowledging the severity of the security crisis, he insisted that it must not become a justification for limiting democratic participation.
He said, “Let it be clearly stated that 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.”
Atiku also recalled earlier intelligence pointing to possible efforts to weaken electoral participation in key Northern states, warning that the current proposal appears to validate those fears.
“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,” he added.
He maintained that citizens in the North deserve both adequate security and full participation in the democratic process, stressing that one should not come at the expense of the other.
“At a time when citizens are already battling hardship and insecurity, the least the government can do is to guarantee their right to be heard—not to restrict it. Any policy that creates the impression of targeted exclusion will only deepen distrust and national division,” he warned.
The former vice president further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clarify their positions and reassure Nigerians that no region would be denied its constitutional rights.
The debate comes amid growing concern within the National Assembly over worsening insecurity, particularly in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.
Last week, Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, called on the Senate to consider sweeping emergency measures, including the suspension of political activities in states most affected by insurgency and banditry.
Raising a point of order during plenary, Ningi warned that the deteriorating situation demands urgent and decisive steps beyond routine discussions.
He said, “Mr President, we cannot continue to think that because we are in Abuja, therefore this thing (insecurity) does not affect us.
“One of the things that we must do, and I want us to take this issue very seriously, is either to suspend all political activities across this country or look at the frontline states of Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and some parts of Kano. We need to suspend activities in these states until we are sufficiently certain that the insecurity challenges are over.
“This is because we are not dealing with this insecurity issue at all. And I am not blaming anybody. We cannot come here every time to lament.”
The proposal reflects rising anxiety over renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, including coordinated strikes on military formations and increasing threats to efforts aimed at rescuing abducted civilians.
