A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his defence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system remains fragile.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo faulted the President’s claim that INEC was neutral, saying the commission had not done enough to earn Nigerians’ trust following the 2023 general elections.
“It is very sad. Any country that has a president who has morphed into the chief spokesperson of INEC is in trouble,” he said.
Okonkwo argued that unresolved concerns, including the technical glitches recorded during the 2023 polls, continue to cast doubt on the commission’s credibility.
“You can’t simply declare INEC neutral when key issues from the last election have not been satisfactorily addressed,” he added.
The former Labour Party presidential campaign spokesperson also questioned the shift in stance by political actors who previously criticized INEC but now defend it.
In the 2027 elections, Okonkwo said Tinubu’s performance in office could hinder his chances of re-election, urging the President to step aside.
He also reacted to a recent Court of Appeal ruling that overturned an earlier decision directing INEC to deregister the ADC and four other parties, describing it as a victory against alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties.
Okonkwo further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state institutions to undermine opposition groups ahead of the next general elections.
