Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President, has cautioned against military intervention in response to the military coup in the Republic of Niger. He emphasized the need for diplomatic engagements and sustained channels for dialogue to ease the tension across the West Africa sub-region. Atiku expressed concern over the increasing number of states in the subregion that have witnessed military intervention in the last three years.
In a statement, Atiku said, “The putsch is particularly worrisome because it has garnered international attention and requires immediate attention. Nigeria, as the sub-regional leader, is expected to take a leading role in curbing the crisis and restoring democratic governance in the Republic of Niger.”
Atiku commended the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its efforts so far in reinstating democracy in the Republic of Niger. He emphasized the importance of avoiding military hostilities that could worsen the situation and instead focusing on diplomatic engagements and sustained dialogue.
“Nigeria is expected to take the lead in peaceful conflict resolution,” Atiku stated. However, he urged the military insurrectionists in the Republic of Niger not to prolong the crisis, highlighting that the world cannot afford delay in resolving the situation reasonably. Atiku emphasized that democracy should be the ultimate victor in the resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger.