Yusuf to Atiku: Address ADC Crisis, Stop Blaming INEC

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Teejay Yusuf, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to focus on resolving the internal crisis plaguing the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Yusuf stated in Abuja on Tuesday that Abubakar's allegations against INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, are an attempt to divert attention from the opposition party's leadership issues as the 2027 elections approach.

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One of Atiku’s greatest leadership shortcomings is his inability to recognise the obvious challenges confronting the ADC. Rather than confronting these realities with honesty and taking responsibility, he consistently looks for others to blame.

Abubakar had previously alleged that Amupitan's appointment was designed to weaken opposition parties by fostering divisions within their ranks. Yusuf dismissed this claim, asserting that political parties must assume accountability for their internal frameworks, leadership conflicts, and decision-making processes. "One of Atiku’s greatest leadership shortcomings is his inability to recognise the obvious challenges confronting the ADC," Yusuf stated. "Rather than confronting these realities with honesty and taking responsibility, he consistently looks for others to blame."

"True leadership demands self-reflection, accountability, and the courage to address internal weaknesses before pointing fingers elsewhere," the former lawmaker added. Yusuf stressed that Nigeria's democracy relies on robust institutions and responsible conduct from political actors. He warned that unsubstantiated attacks on INEC could undermine public confidence in the electoral system. While INEC's role is to regulate elections, Yusuf clarified, political parties are responsible for managing their internal affairs through constitutional and democratic means.

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True leadership demands self-reflection, accountability, and the courage to address internal weaknesses before pointing fingers elsewhere.

"Political disputes do not begin at INEC. They begin within political organisations when there are disagreements over leadership, structures, and decision-making," Yusuf explained. "The solution is not to blame institutions but to resolve those disputes through democratic means." He urged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to prioritize issue-based campaigns and uphold respect for democratic institutions, asserting that Nigeria's democracy would be strengthened by leaders who build confidence in the electoral process.

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Political disputes do not begin at INEC. They begin within political organisations when there are disagreements over leadership, structures, and decision-making. The solution is not to blame institutions but to resolve those disputes through democratic means.