A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibeh, on Tuesday accused President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission of moves to undermine opposition parties and democratic processes in the country.
Ibeh’s allegation followed the decision by INEC to freeze the leadership of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate President David Mark.
In a post shared on his X handle, the Atiku aide referenced a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, indicating that Nafiu Bala had emerged as the national chairman of the party.
He questioned the development, alleging that the process was influenced by both the Presidency and the electoral body.
Ibeh noted that INEC had previously approached the court to challenge Bala’s eligibility for the ADC chairmanship, asking what had changed to warrant the new position.
He accused Tinubu and the INEC leadership of orchestrating what he described as a breach of democratic norms, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to him, the situation bears similarities to past political events in the country, which he said should serve as a caution.
“Tinubu and INEC are working together in a manner that could weaken opposition and undermine democracy. This path, if sustained, could lead to authoritarian tendencies,” he stated.
