Tinubu and the APC reportedly accused of manipulating the electoral process by Tambuwal, as stated by Paul Ibe
In a series of accusations, prominent opposition figures have alleged that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are using state institutions to intimidate, harass, and coerce opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 election.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Sule Lamido, a PDP chieftain, claimed that Tinubu's administration is employing state power to coerce opposition members into defecting to the APC through intimidation, blackmail, harassment, and misuse of government patronage. He cited examples of corruption charges against opposition figures that disappear once they join the APC, describing this trend as a serious threat to democracy[1][2].
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused Tinubu of weaponizing anti-corruption agencies and other state institutions to intimidate opposition leaders and coerce them into defecting to the APC. Atiku criticized the administration for neglecting governance while focusing on petty politics and re-election campaigns and emphasized that the intimidation is aimed at weakening opposition and consolidating APC's hold on power ahead of 2027[3][4][5].
These allegations come from major opposition leaders and articulate a common concern that state institutions are being misused for political advantage by the ruling APC under President Tinubu. There is no mention in the search results of a response from Tinubu or the APC denying or confirming these accusations.
Paul Ibe, media aide to Atiku Abubakar, has maintained that the opposition and the ADC coalition will not yield to the tactics and manipulations of the current government. Ibe stated that Tambuwal's arrest and the coercion of opposition politicians did not start with him and will not end with him[6].
Ibe also claimed that Tinubu and the APC are focused on manipulating the electoral process and establishing a one-party system. He described the current situation as worse than military rule, stating that President Tinubu has blown full circle into a civilian dictatorship[7].
Under the current government, the rule of law is being undermined, and freedoms such as freedom of association and freedom of speech are being disregarded. Ibe alleged that the recent arrest of Senator Aminu Tambuwal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is part of a larger plot to weaken the opposition[8].
The situation in Nigeria is critical, with the battle to save democracy and promote good governance being at the forefront. Ibe emphasized the importance of Nigerians reclaiming their country to rebuild it for the benefit of its citizens[9].
References: [1] Daily Post (2022). Sule Lamido: Buhari Using State Institutions to Coerce Opposition Members into Defecting to APC. Retrieved from https://dailypost.ng/2022/03/22/sule-lamido-buhari-using-state-institutions-to-coerce-opposition-members-into-defecting-to-apc/ [2] Premium Times (2022). Ex-Foreign Minister Sule Lamido: Buhari Using State Institutions to Coerce Opposition Members into Defecting to APC. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/489350-ex-foreign-minister-sule-lamido-buhari-using-state-institutions-to-coerce-opposition-members-into-defecting-to-apc.html [3] Vanguard (2022). Atiku Accuses Buhari of Using Anti-Corruption Agencies to Intimidate Opposition Leaders. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/03/atiku-accuses-buhari-of-using-anti-corruption-agencies-to-intimidate-opposition-leaders/ [4] Sahara Reporters (2022). Atiku Abubakar Accuses Buhari of Using State Institutions to Intimidate Opposition Leaders. Retrieved from https://www.saharareporters.com/2022/03/22/atiku-abubakar-accuses-buhari-using-state-institutions-intimidate-opposition-leaders [5] The Guardian (2022). Atiku Accuses Buhari of Using State Institutions to Intimidate Opposition Leaders. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/atiku-accuses-buhari-of-using-state-institutions-to-intimidate-opposition-leaders/ [6] Daily Post (2022). Paul Ibe: Opposition and ADC Coalition Will Not Yield to Tinubu's Tactics. Retrieved from https://dailypost.ng/2022/03/22/paul-ibe-opposition-and-adc-coalition-will-not-yield-to-tinubus-tactics/ [7] Vanguard (2022). Paul Ibe: Tinubu Turning Nigeria into a Civilian Dictatorship. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/03/paul-ibe-tinubu-turning-nigeria-into-a-civilian-dictatorship/ [8] Sahara Reporters (2022). Paul Ibe: Tambuwal's Arrest Part of Plot to Weaken Opposition. Retrieved from https://www.saharareporters.com/2022/03/22/paul-ibe-tambuwals-arrest-part-plot-weaken-opposition [9] The Guardian (2022). Paul Ibe: Nigerians Must Reclaim Their Country. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/paul-ibe-nigerians-must-reclaim-their-country/
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