Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a blistering attack on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, accusing the electoral umpire of allegedly fuelling the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a bid to strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political grip ahead of future elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku alleged that recent developments surrounding the ADC are not isolated internal disagreements but part of a calculated political strategy designed to weaken opposition forces and consolidate power within the ruling establishment.
According to the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, the alleged interference represents a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democratic institutions and raises serious concerns about the neutrality and independence of the nation’s electoral commission.
Atiku argued that any attempt by INEC to influence the internal affairs of a registered political party would amount to an abuse of constitutional responsibility and a betrayal of the commission’s mandate to serve as an impartial arbiter in the country’s democratic process.
Describing the situation as a deliberate effort to facilitate what he termed a “state capture” agenda, Atiku claimed that the objective is to fracture opposition platforms, diminish political competition, and create an uneven playing field that ultimately benefits the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu.
He warned that the credibility of future elections depends largely on the independence of INEC, urging Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the international community to remain vigilant against any actions capable of undermining democratic norms, electoral transparency, and the rule of law.
The former vice president further called on the electoral commission to resist political pressure and uphold the principles of fairness, neutrality, and constitutionalism, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when institutions operate without fear or favour.
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions and growing debates over the future of opposition politics in Nigeria. As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to Atiku’s claims.
