Atiku Abubakar Rejects NA Plan to Suspend Campaigns in Eight Northern States
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, criticised a National Assembly proposal to suspend political campaigns in Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections. The proposal was raised on Wednesday by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP) citing worsening insurgency, banditry, and terrorism in the North. Atiku’s statement, issued today by his aide Phrank Shaibu, described the move as a plot to suppress and disenfranchise voters.
He argued that silencing political activity does not solve insecurity but instead undermines democratic rights, representation, and electoral integrity. Such exclusion could deepen distrust and national division, especially as citizens already face hardship and insecurity. The former VP stressed that no region should be barred from elections due to government’s failure to address security challenges.
Atiku urged the government to guarantee citizens’ right to be heard rather than restrict it. He warned that shaping elections through exclusion, fear, or administrative manipulation will have far‑reaching consequences. Voters in the affected states should monitor NA developments, engage in peaceful civic participation, and demand that any security measures respect democratic processes.