Atiku, Tambuwal accuse INEC of bias as Obi, Kwankwaso, Amaechi rally at ADC convention
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal have accused Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), of bias and interference in opposition politics, amid growing tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking in an interview with BBC Newsday, Atiku alleged that INEC had acted in a partisan manner, claiming the commission was working to favor the ruling government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He specifically accused the electoral body of misinterpreting electoral laws and unlawfully interfering in the internal affairs of opposition parties.
Tambuwal echoed similar concerns, calling on Nigerians to “rescue” the country from worsening insecurity, poverty, and governance challenges. He linked these issues to what he described as systemic failures under the current administration and urged citizens to defend democratic institutions.
The accusations come against the backdrop of a broader opposition realignment within the ADC. Prominent political figures including Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have joined Atiku and Tambuwal in mobilising support for the party ahead of its national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026, in Abuja.
The ADC convention is expected to formalize the party’s leadership structure and strengthen its position as a coalition platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge the dominance of the ruling party in 2027. Key figures, including former Senate President David Mark, have been tasked with overseeing the convention planning process.
Tensions between the ADC and INEC have escalated in recent weeks following the commission’s decision to derecognise certain party officials amid an ongoing leadership dispute. Opposition leaders staged protests in Abuja, alleging that the move could undermine democratic participation and limit the ability of opposition parties to contest future elections.
Atiku and other ADC leaders have framed their actions as part of a broader struggle to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. During a protest earlier in April, opposition figures described their movement as an effort to prevent what they called the “enthronement of a dictatorship” and to ensure free and fair elections.
INEC has not publicly accepted the allegations of bias and has previously maintained that its decisions are guided by legal rulings and the need to uphold electoral integrity.