Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said that distributing food items to citizens will not help any leader win elections, noting that such efforts cannot replace public trust.
He stated this on Tuesday in a statement issued by his aide, Phrank Shaibu, while reacting to the government’s ongoing relief measures.
Atiku said items like rice and spaghetti may provide short-term support but would not determine electoral outcomes. He said, “Bags of rice, spaghetti, and Indomie may offer temporary relief, but they cannot secure legitimacy at the ballot box.”
He also commented on the current political situation in the country, saying the ruling government appears to be tightening its hold on power while limiting space for opposition parties.
According to him, despite the movement of several governors into the ruling party, concerns remain about political competition and the choices available to voters.
“At a time when over 30 state governors have been drawn into the ruling party’s orbit, Nigerians are witnessing a growing pattern of actions that suggest not strength, but fear, fear of credible opposition, fear of free competition, and fear of the Nigerian voter,” he stated.
Atiku added that recent developments point to possible attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal disputes and court cases.
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He also criticised the use of state institutions, alleging that legal actions and detentions are being directed at political opponents, a situation he said is creating uncertainty and raising concerns about fairness.
He warned that if the trend continues, elections may still take place, but the level of real competition could decline.
Atiku maintained that leadership should be based on the free choice of the people, not through pressure on institutions or the silencing of opposing voices.
He urged Nigerians to stay alert as the next election approaches, stressing the need for a fair process that allows citizens to choose their leaders.