Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission is being used to undermine democracy in the country.
Atiku made the claim while addressing delegates at the party’s national convention held at the Rainbow Event Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.
He specifically criticised the Chairman of the electoral body, Joash Amupitan, accusing him of alleged “illegalities.”
“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself because it is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country.
“Now, let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country, ” he said.
“Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities, we will not and I hope we will have your support and cooperation to make sure we return to true democracy, to true development in all aspects of human endeavour,” Atiku added.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that Nigeria’s economy, security and education sectors have deteriorated under his leadership.
He said Nigerians must rise to demand genuine and sincere change in order to address the country’s pressing challenges.
Amupitan has faced criticism from the ADC in recent weeks, particularly after INEC suspended recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the party following a court ruling.
Following that decision, the ADC leadership called for the removal of the INEC chairman, accusing him of bias and unfair treatment of the opposition.
The controversy was further fuelled by allegations that an X account bearing Amupitan’s name made partisan posts in support of the All Progressives Congress during the 2023 general elections.
However, INEC has denied the claims, maintaining that the commission remains neutral.
Despite INEC’s decision not to monitor the party’s congresses and convention, the ADC proceeded with its activities, with members and stakeholders gathering for the event where a new National Working Committee is expected to emerge.
