Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has warned that any attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), or the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would be strongly resisted.
Atiku issued the warning on Wednesday night shortly after emerging as the winner of the ADC presidential primary election, where he secured 1,846,370 votes to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.
Speaking after his victory, Atiku accused the government and the electoral body of allegedly undermining the ADC, including what he described as efforts to deregister the party.
“The government and INEC continue to undermine the ADC, even attempting to deregister it. Let me warn again that any further attempt by the presidency, INEC or the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of our party will be fiercely resisted,” he said.
The former vice-president also commended other aspirants who participated in the primary election, describing their involvement as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to Atiku, the contestants were united by concerns over the country’s economic challenges, insecurity, nepotism, political intolerance, and what he alleged were attempts by the ruling party to establish a one-party state.
“I thank you for taking part in this process, which is healthy for our party’s internal democracy and for democracy in Nigeria. However, I must say that this is not the time to celebrate,” he stated.
Despite his victory, the primary election was not without controversy, as some aspirants raised concerns over alleged irregularities. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, reportedly questioned the conduct of the nationwide exercise.
