By Bassey Asuquo
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has condemned what it described as the reckless and unfounded allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
In a statement by its Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Danjuma Sada, the group accused the duo of manipulating public opinion ahead of the 2027 elections.
It said: “These claims of bias and interference are not only false but they represent a dangerous pattern of political actors seeking to delegitimise institutions whenever outcomes do not favour their ambitions. This tired playbook must not mislead Nigerians.
“TSF notes that the current situation involving the African Democratic Congress is fundamentally a legal and internal party matter, already before competent courts.
“INEC’s position, as publicly stated, is rooted in compliance with judicial directives. To suggest that this is part of a grand conspiracy to perpetuate the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is both dishonest and irresponsible.
“More importantly, Nigerians must interrogate the credibility of those making these accusations.
“Atiku Abubakar, who now postures as a defender of democracy, was a central figure in an era widely criticised for electoral irregularities, weak institutional independence, and governance inconsistencies.
“His record in public office offers little evidence of the democratic ideals he now claims to champion. Rather than strengthen institutions, that period left behind deep questions about transparency and accountability in electoral processes.
“Similarly, Senator Tambuwal’s attempt to position himself as a voice against poverty and hardship collapses under scrutiny.
“During his tenure as governor of Sokoto State, the state consistently ranked among those with the highest levels of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria. His sudden outrage over poverty, hunger, and insecurity rings hollow when measured against his own stewardship record.
“We therefore find it ironic that individuals with such governance deficits now seek to lecture Nigerians on leadership and democracy.”
On the crisis within the ADC, TSF aligned with public concern that the party is being systematically taken over by political opportunists.
“Available evidence shows that long-standing party members and grassroots builders who invested years of effort to nurture the party are being sidelined and alienated by a wave of elite politicians seeking to repurpose the platform for personal ambition.
“This, for us, is nothing short of a political hijack.
“The ADC, like every political party, was built through the sweat, sacrifice, and commitment of dedicated members across the country. It is unjust and undemocratic for wealthy political actors, after failing in their previous platforms, to move in and appropriate the structure while pushing aside those who laboured to build it.
“TSF stands firmly with these hardworking party faithful and condemns the emerging culture of “political carpetbagging,” where parties are treated as disposable vehicles rather than institutions of democratic participation.
“We urge Nigerians to see through the noise. The current outbursts by Atiku and Tambuwal are not about protecting democracy. They are about rescuing their drowning personal political relevance,” it added.
TSF calls on all political actors to respect the rule of law, allow the courts to resolve the ADC leadership dispute, and desist from inflammatory rhetoric capable of undermining public trust in democratic institutions