The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the recent bye-elections, describing them as a sham marred by widespread violence, vote buying, manipulation, and administrative lapses.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the elections were characterized by violence and intimidation.
He said, “The ADC noted the recent declaration of both the PDP and the APC as terrorist organisations by a Canadian court.
”This must have come as great embarrassment to all citizens. But evidence of this bye-election makes it difficult to plead their case.”
He added, therefore, with all its flaws and irregularities, this election should not be seen as a measure of the strength or capacity of the opposition coalition, but rather as a sad reflection of how far the system has been corrupted against the will of the people.
”What Nigerians witnessed in Saturday’s bye-elections is yet another reminder that under the current administration, democracy itself, just like the economy and our national security, continues to decline under President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
“When elections are marred by widespread violence, when ballots are openly and brazenly exchanged for money, when opposition candidates are excluded without explanation, and when the very institutions entrusted to safeguard democracy become complicit, then the vote of the ordinary Nigerian ceases to have meaning.”
The ADC called on President Tinubu to rise above partisan interests and demonstrate genuine leadership by ensuring free and fair polls.
The party also urged INECnto investigate reported irregularities, sanction compromised officials, and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
