Atiku Accuses INEC of Undermining Democracy at ADC Convention

By Paul Joseph

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of being used to undermine democracy in Nigeria.

Atiku made the allegation while speaking at the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held in Abuja, where party members gathered to elect a new National Working Committee.

In a strongly worded address, the former presidential candidate faulted the electoral body and its leadership, alleging bias and irregularities in its operations.

“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself because it is clear… the evidence is there that INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country,” he said.

He also warned that Nigerians must resist any attempt to erode democratic values, recalling past struggles against military rule.

“We fought the military to bring democracy in this country and we are going to fight them to bring democracy again,” he added.

Atiku further criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that key sectors such as the economy, security and education have deteriorated under the current government. He urged citizens to demand “genuine and sincere change” to address the nation’s challenges.

The controversy comes amid rising tensions between INEC and the ADC, particularly following the commission’s decision to suspend recognition of a faction of the party leadership linked to David Mark after a court ruling.

The ADC has since called for the removal of the INEC chairman, citing alleged bias against the opposition. Additional claims, including an alleged partisan social media post linked to the chairman, have further fueled the dispute.

However, INEC has denied all allegations, maintaining that it remains neutral and committed to its constitutional mandate.

Despite the commission’s decision not to monitor its internal activities, the ADC proceeded with its congresses across states and its national convention in Abuja, where party leaders and supporters converged to shape its leadership ahead of future elections.