Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has critised former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku and Nasir El-Rufia, former Governor of Kaduna State, over their moves ahead of the presidential elections in 2027, telling them that they cannot deceive Nigerians again.
In a statement on Sunday issued by Dr. AbdulRazak Ahmed, Director of Strategic Communication, DWI said Atiku and El-Rufia lack the competence and moral authority to lead.
According to him, “Their track record is marred by complicity in decisions that have led to the current state of despair in Nigeria.
“Atiku, El-Rufai, and their coalition are not the answer to our problems; they are part of the system that has failed us time and again.
“Their attempts to repackage themselves as guardians of democracy are nothing more than a thinly veiled ruse aimed at distracting the public from their past failures and the damage they have inflicted on our nation.
“Nigerians are not fooled by their antics. We have witnessed their governance failures, their silence in the face of violence and displacement in the North-West, and their complicity in policies that have exacerbated our economic woes.
“The time for these outdated leaders has passed. Their coalition is a desperate grasp for power that will ultimately lead to a dead end.”
The Democracy Watch Initiative DWI noted with grave concern that since 1999, political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s governance landscape, often contributing to the very crises they now seek to address. 
The group observed that their tenures have been marked by controversial decisions, including dubious fuel subsidy payments and their abrupt removal, which exacerbated economic hardships for the populace.
“Furthermore, these leaders have witnessed, and arguably facilitated, the plundering of national resources and a significant compromise of national security, resulting in widespread violence and the displacement of countless communities.
“This legacy raises critical questions about their current coalitions and genuine commitment to reform.
“The assertion that Atiku and El-Rufai are “all over the place attempting to deceive the people that they are saviors” underscores a critical perspective on their political maneuvers.
“This movement has given rise to a growing skepticism among the electorate regarding the authenticity of their claims and intentions.
“As these figures seek to position themselves as solutions to pressing societal issues, it raises questions about their past actions and the credibility of their promises.
“The history of these politicians is one marred by contradictions and a lack of accountability.
“All of them were integral to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party that has been in power for several years.
“Their current criticisms of the APC, which they helped to establish, raise questions about their sincerity and the motivations behind their sudden shift in allegiance,” the group said.
The DWI called on Nigerians to remember that these politicians were not merely by-standers in the political process; as they were key players who benefited from the very systems they now denounce.
DWI noted also that Nigeria has witnessed a plethora of challenges, including economic instability, widespread corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.
“Despite the opportunities presented by their long tenures in government, these politicians have little to show for their years of service.
“The citizens have endured the consequences of their decisions, particularly regarding the subsidy regime.
“They benefited from subsidies during their time in power, only to later advocate for their removal, leading to increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
“The removal of subsidies was implemented under the guise of economic reform, yet it disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable segments of society, exacerbating poverty and suffering.
“While the nation has grappled with the devastating impacts of insurgency and banditry, Atiku and his allies have remained conspicuously silent, folding their arms as communities were ravaged and lives were lost.
“This hypocrisy is not merely a political misstep; it is a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon them by the electorate.
“As Atiku prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 election cycle, he has assembled a coalition of disgruntled and irrelevant political figures, individuals who have long overstayed their welcome in a political landscape yearning for genuine leadership.
“This coalition, which includes a parade of political has-beens such as the former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, serves as a glaring testament to the lack of credible vision for Nigeria’s future.
“Their gathering was less a strategic alliance and more a shameful display of political theater, revealing their desperation to regain relevance amid a populace that has grown weary of empty promises and failed governance.
“In a misguided effort to position themselves as champions of democracy, Atiku and his companions have condemned the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional.
“Yet, it is both shameless and embarrassing for leaders like Atiku and El-Rufai, who once thrived under the very system they now criticize, to present themselves as saviors of Nigerian democracy.
“Their hypocrisy is glaring; they were silent when the nation faced crises, including the removal of fuel subsidies that have plunged countless Nigerians into suffering,” DWI said.
“Now, they seek to capitalise on the very discontent they helped create, attempting to rebrand themselves as defenders of democracy while ignoring the consequences of their past actions.
The Democracy Watch Initiative called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and discerning, adding that, “We must not allow ourselves to be swayed by the hollow promises of a coalition built on the crumbling foundations of past failures.”
The group said, “It is time for new leadership—leadership that is genuinely committed to the principles of democracy, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
“Let it be known: the era of Atiku Abubakar and his band of political relics is over.
“Nigerians will not listen to them again. The future of our nation demands leaders who prioritise the needs of the people over their own ambitions, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who have failed us do not return to power.”
