Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the shocking invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by armed security operatives, describing it as a brazen assault on democracy.
Taking to his official X handle, Atiku expressed deep concern over the disturbing video footage of heavily armed personnel storming the state’s legislative chamber in what he termed an unconscionable act that threatens Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
> “The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. This grave incident must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation,” Atiku stated.
The former VP said it was bewildering that the operatives reportedly had a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House, an action he likened to an executive overreach reminiscent of dark military-era tactics.
> “It is appalling that those who once claimed to have fought for democracy are now sanctioning this crude desecration of the state’s foremost legislative institution. By doing so, they are jeopardizing the very democracy Nigerians fought hard to sustain,” he added.
Atiku emphasized that leadership disputes within a democratic legislature are not uncommon, but resolving such conflicts through intimidation and force sets a dangerous precedent. He warned that resorting to armed interventions in legislative affairs is a gross violation of democratic principles and must be condemned by all lovers of democracy.
> “The purported invitation of armed security operatives to resolve a parliamentary conflict is an anathema and must be interrogated with urgency,” he stressed.
Taking a direct jab at President Bola Tinubu, Atiku accused him of meddling in state affairs instead of focusing on fixing the economic and governance crisis Nigeria currently faces.
“Tinubu should focus on bringing Nigeria out of the mess he plunged the country into rather than interfering in state matters,” Atiku asserted.
His remarks add to the growing backlash from opposition figures and civil society groups, who have demanded accountability over what many see as an orchestrated attack on the independence of the legislature.
As calls for an investigation mount, Nigerians await the response of the federal authorities and the security agencies involved in what many have termed an unprecedented assault on the rule of law.
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