Tinubu, Akpabio plot to undermine Nigeria’s electoral process – Ex-presidential candidate Adebayo alleges

Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has accused President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of allegedly plotting to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty by legitimising electoral malpractice.

Speaking at the #OccupyNASS protest on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, Adebayo alleged that the current administration, alongside lawmakers, is attempting to institutionalise election rigging through legislative amendments.

He described the alleged move by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as “unfortunate and regrettable,” warning that such actions could erode the democratic foundations secured at independence.

“Our forefathers laboured for independence from the British. What we are seeing now is an attempt to reverse that independence,” Adebayo said. “They want to make elections an empty ritual where citizens participate only as props in a predetermined script.”

The former SDP candidate argued that the issue at stake goes beyond partisan politics, framing the gathering as an act of democratic participation rather than protest.

“What we are discussing is not politics; we are discussing citizenship. There is no parliament anywhere in the world where citizens are not present to make their voices heard. This is participation in democracy,” he stated.

Adebayo further alleged that the government is not only accused of rigging elections but is now attempting to “rig the rulesby embedding electoral manipulation within the legal framework.

“We are not fighting just one clause in one bill. We are fighting for the principle of freedom and sovereignty,” he said. “We can endure poor governance and correct it through elections. What we cannot afford to lose is our sovereignty.”

He called on Nigerians to become more actively involved in civic engagement within their communities, urging religious and community leaders to raise awareness about the importance of credible elections.

According to him, electoral integrity is fundamental to restoring public trust in governance and ensuring that citizens believe their votes and efforts count in national development.

Adebayo warned that while the current demonstrations have remained peaceful, continued public frustration over electoral reforms could heighten tensions if not addressed through transparent and credible legislative processes.