A media aide to former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibeh, has accused President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allegedly working to weaken opposition parties and undermine the democratic process in the country. This accusation comes amidst ongoing disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its leadership structure. In a post on the social media platform 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), Ibeh raised concerns about President Tinubu and INEC’s alleged involvement in favoring a particular faction of the ADC, suggesting that their actions could lead to authoritarian tendencies in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The controversy emerged following INEC’s decision to freeze the recognition of the ADC’s leadership, including the faction led by former Senate President David Mark, until a court resolves disputes over the party’s structure. In his social media post, Ibeh highlighted recent statements by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, which suggested that Nafiu Bala had been recognized as the national chairman of the ADC. Ibeh argued that this development was influenced by both the Presidency and INEC, pointing out what he saw as contradictory actions by INEC. He questioned why the electoral commission had previously filed court cases challenging Bala’s eligibility to lead the ADC but now appeared to be endorsing him.
Ibeh’s post drew on INEC’s past actions, noting, “This is the same INEC that filed processes in court last year to show cause why Bala is not deserving of the Chairmanship of the ADC. What has changed since then?” He further accused both President Tinubu and INEC’s chairman, Malami Amupitan, of conspiring to undermine democratic norms in the country. According to Ibeh, these actions could signal a shift towards authoritarianism, quoting, “Tinubu and Amupitan are the ones cooking up the democratic faux pas. Our message to them is that this dictatorship may live, but not for very long. Does this remind you of another era in our recent history?”
Ibeh’s allegations have sparked debates about the conduct of the current administration and its perceived influence on opposition parties. Despite denials from the relevant authorities, the situation underscores the challenges faced by democratic institutions in ensuring fair representation and adherence to democratic principles. The outcome of the ADC’s leadership impasse, along with the broader implications of the accusations, will be keenly watched by Nigerians and analysts alike, as it could set a crucial precedent for the country’s democratic framework in the coming years. The ongoing disputes highlight the delicate balance between political legitimacy and public trust, as Nigerians continue to navigate the evolving dynamics of their political landscape.
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