The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has rejected allegations of bias against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal as baseless and misleading.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the group accused the two politicians of attempting to manipulate public opinion ahead of the 2027 general elections. TSF said the accusations against INEC reflect a recurring pattern of political actors seeking to discredit institutions when outcomes do not align with their ambitions.
According to the forum, the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is purely an internal party matter currently before competent courts, stressing that INEC’s actions have been guided by compliance with judicial directives.
The group further questioned the credibility of Atiku and Tambuwal, arguing that their past records in public office undermine their current stance as defenders of democracy and good governance. It claimed that Atiku’s tenure in government was associated with concerns over electoral integrity and accountability, while Tambuwal’s administration in Sokoto State coincided with high levels of multidimensional poverty.
On the ADC crisis, TSF expressed concern over what it described as a “political hijack” of the party by opportunistic actors. It alleged that long-standing members and grassroots stakeholders are being sidelined by elite politicians seeking to take control of the party structure for personal ambitions.
The forum condemned what it termed “political carpetbagging,” warning against treating political parties as mere vehicles for individual aspirations rather than institutions of democratic participation.
TSF called on political actors to respect the rule of law, allow the judiciary to resolve the ADC leadership dispute, and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric that could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
