Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said the failings of the opposition parties to uphold the functionality of their existence is the major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku, who stated this in his Democracy Day message, said the failure of opposition political parties to form a coalition and articulate a plan of good governance makes them more guilty than the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) which, he said, has brought a dawn of gloom in Nigeria.

Atiku, in a statement he signed, however paired tributes to Basorun MKO Abiola and his beloved wife, Alhaja (Mrs) Kudirat Abiola, Tafida Shehu Yar’Adua and Alfred Rewane, among many others for their patriotic sacrifices that has inspired the June 12 struggle.

Atiku said, “The historical timeline of the struggle that birthed this democracy is abundant with a series of coalitions and alliances amongst the political leaderships of that era to flush away the vestiges of military and dictatorial governance in order to return power to the people.

“It is commendable that for 25 years, we have witnessed an uninterrupted season of electoral politics. It is an unprecedented epoch in our history.

“It is worthy of celebration and commendation must go to the people of our great country. I must also congratulate the political class for having embraced the rectitude of nurturing a democracy, as well as the civil society. It is important that all stakeholders continue to do their bit to ensure the sustainability of our democracy.”

He however said Nigeria’s democracy is not yet virile if it continually fails to deliver the promises of prosperity and liberty to the people.

He said the past nine years has thrown up a regime of extreme hardship manifested in excruciating poverty and unprecedented levels of violence and insecurity upon our people.

“Sadly, the ruling All Progressives Congress is to blame for bringing forth this dawn of gloom.

But the opposition political parties are even more guilty than the ruling party for the seeming lack of capacity to come together and galvanize a coalition that will retire the ruling party and articulate a plan of good governance that will earn the conviction of Nigerians.

“Today, the failings of the opposition parties to uphold the functionality of their existence is the major threat to our democracy. The earlier they realise that the fortunes of Nigeria lies in their forging a coalition, the better it will be for our country and the people,” he said.