Atiku Camp Accuses Tinubu of Interfering With NBA Election

The Atiku Media Office has accused President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government of interfering in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, alleging that the situation could affect confidence in future elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the media office of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar claimed that the government was attempting to influence the legal association’s election by supporting a preferred candidate.

The statement described the alleged involvement as a “test run” for the 2027 general elections, claiming similar strategies could be used in the future. The group alleged that the administration was weakening opposition parties and democratic institutions.

The NBA election controversy has attracted attention following claims by the Atiku camp that legal processes and government influence were being used to affect the choice of candidates. It also referenced reports alleging attempts to influence the election through court actions.

The media office maintained that the NBA Electoral Committee (ECNBA) remains responsible for conducting the election under the association’s rules. It warned government officials against interfering in the process and urged the association to be allowed to hold a free and credible election.

The statement also alleged that security agencies were being used to disrupt the election process. It referred to claims by former National Human Rights Commission Chairman Chidi Odinkalu, who alleged that the managing director of the NBA election service provider was taken into custody by suspected security operatives.

Authorities have not confirmed those allegations. The claims remain part of the wider Nigeria election debate surrounding the NBA polls and concerns about political influence.

What steps can strengthen confidence in professional and national elections?