Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the alleged assault on a supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a political event in Delta State, saying violence has no place in a democratic society.

Atiku, in a statement issued Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the attack on Mr. Tempo Mudi, reportedly a Protocol Officer to the Delta State Governor, as unfortunate and inconsistent with the democratic values Nigerians have worked hard to build over the years. Blueprint reports

According to reports, Mudi was allegedly attacked by some youths while campaigning for the re-election of President Tinubu at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun, Delta State.

Democracy demands tolerance

Reacting to the incident, the former vice president stressed that no Nigerian should be attacked or intimidated because of political beliefs or affiliations.

He said democracy flourishes through dialogue, persuasion and respect for divergent opinions rather than violence and intimidation.

“No matter how unpopular a political opinion may be, no Nigerian deserves to be assaulted for expressing it. Democracy thrives on persuasion, debate and the freedom to hold divergent views—not intimidation, violence or mob action,” Atiku said.

He maintained that political competition should be based on ideas and programmes rather than acts of violence capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Hardship fuels public frustration

While condemning the assault, Atiku acknowledged the widespread frustration among Nigerians over the country’s economic situation.

He said many citizens, particularly young people, were battling unprecedented hardship characterised by soaring inflation, rising unemployment, declining purchasing power and worsening living conditions.

According to him, the current administration has failed to deliver on many of its promises, leaving millions of Nigerians disappointed.

“President Tinubu’s record has already rendered its own verdict. Nigerians know that this administration has been an abysmal failure. Its record of economic mismanagement, deepening poverty, rising insecurity and broken promises speaks louder than any campaign speech,” he stated.

‘Votes, not violence’

Despite the prevailing public anger, Atiku urged Nigerians not to resort to violence, insisting that democratic change can only be achieved through the ballot box.

He described the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the most potent weapon against bad governance, urging citizens to mobilise for the 2027 general elections rather than engage in physical confrontations.

“Our greatest weapon against bad governance is not our fists but our votes. Those who have inflicted untold hardship on Nigerians should be rejected through the ballot box, not through physical confrontation,” he said.

The former vice president urged youths across Delta State and the country to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to constitutional means of seeking political change.

Opposition must set example

Atiku further said the opposition has a responsibility to distinguish itself by promoting civility, tolerance and respect for the rights of all Nigerians, including political opponents.

He noted that political actors must avoid actions capable of heating up the polity ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The Nigeria we seek to build is one where ideas compete freely, citizens are safe to express their opinions, and governments are changed by ballots—not by brutality,” he said.

He called on citizens to channel their grievances into peaceful democratic participation and ensure that leaders are held accountable through credible elections.

Growing political activities

The statement comes as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and aspirants intensifying consultations, endorsements and grassroots mobilisation across the country.

Political observers have repeatedly cautioned parties and their supporters against inflammatory rhetoric and violence, warning that intolerance could undermine the country’s democratic process.

Atiku’s latest intervention adds to growing calls by political leaders and civil society organisations for issue-based campaigns and peaceful political engagement as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather pace.