Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has warned that any attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress will be strongly resisted.
Atiku issued the warning on Wednesday after he was declared winner of the ADC presidential primary election, having polled 1,846,370 votes.
According to him, the party has continued to face pressure from the government and INEC, including alleged moves to deregister it.
“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,” Atiku said.
He also congratulated the other aspirants who took part in the primary, saying their participation showed patriotism and a shared concern for the future of the country.
Atiku said the aspirants were united by worries over what he described as Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, rising insecurity, nepotism, political intolerance and alleged attempts by the ruling party to turn the country into 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.
His victory, however, came amid complaints from some of his opponents. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primary election held across the country.
