HEADLINE: INEC IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO SANCTION POLITICAL PARTIES, SAIDU ATIKU ABUBAKAR
Abubakar made these remarks during a political discussion on the Capital Morning Show on Montage 99.7 FM, hosted by BJB, where he reacted to a statement attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that securing 25 per cent of the votes in the FCT was not his target because the APC had already won in the territory.
Speaking during the programme, Abubakar argued that there was a clear distinction between highlighting achievements in the FCT and declaring victory in an election that had yet to be conducted. He suggested that such declarations reflected the ruling party’s confidence amid the current state of opposition politics in the country.
The PRP stakeholder further argued that claims by Wike and APC leaders that the ruling party would win the presidential election did not reflect the economic realities confronting Nigerians.
According to him, despite the improved roads being highlighted by the FCT Minister, many Nigerians are struggling with the high cost of fuel, while some contractors are reportedly still awaiting payment for completed projects.
He maintained that these challenges should be considered when assessing the ruling party’s claims of electoral victory.
Abubakar expressed doubt that such a coalition would materialise, although he said he remained hopeful that a united opposition could emerge in the future.
On the role of INEC, Abubakar expressed concern that the commission was not doing enough to sanction political parties, raising questions about accountability and the enforcement of electoral regulations.
When asked about the possibility of opposition parties coming together ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abubakar expressed doubt that such a coalition would materialise, although he said he remained hopeful that a united opposition could emerge in the future.