Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Using NBA Poll to Perfect 2027 Rigging Plan

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday accused President Bola Tinubu of interfering in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association election, alleging that it was part of a broader plan to prepare for the 2027 general election.

He claimed the actions being witnessed in the NBA poll were a test of strategies that could later be used during the next presidential election.

In a statement released by his media office, Atiku said the current administration had extended its political influence into the affairs of the legal body. He alleged that the same approach being used in the NBA election reflected a pattern of weakening democratic institutions and creating challenges within opposition political parties ahead of the next election cycle.

According to him, recent developments surrounding the NBA election raised concerns about the independence of the association’s electoral process. He claimed there had been attempts to influence the outcome through the courts and other means, adding that such actions could affect public confidence in democratic institutions if allowed to continue.

Atiku maintained that the responsibility for conducting the NBA election rests entirely with the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, which was constituted by the association’s National Executive Council in line with its constitution. He argued that any outside interference could undermine the credibility of the election.

The former vice president also alleged that efforts were made to remove some aspirants from the race through legal processes. He claimed the same method could later be applied against opposition political parties during preparations for the 2027 elections by using state institutions and legal channels to influence candidate selection.

He further alleged that there were attempts to delay the NBA election and accused government officials of supporting moves that could affect the exercise. Atiku also claimed that security agencies had been used against some service providers connected with the election, describing the situation as another indication of political interference.

He called on those involved to allow the NBA to conduct its election without outside influence, insisting that the legal body should be free to complete a transparent electoral process and ensure a peaceful transition of leadership.

The Presidency has not responded to Atiku’s latest allegations at the time of filing this report.