Former vice president alleges electoral commission is undermining democracy as political tensions rise ahead of future elections. 
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Amupitan, of being appointed to weaken and destroy opposition political parties in Nigeria.
In a statement released by his media team, Atiku alleged that the INEC chairman's actions and decisions demonstrate bias in favor of the ruling party, raising concerns about the credibility and independence of Nigeria's electoral process.
According to Atiku, the electoral commission should remain impartial and uphold its constitutional responsibility of ensuring free, fair and credible elections. He argued that any perception of political interference could undermine public confidence in the country's democratic institutions.
The former presidential candidate called on INEC to operate transparently and treat all registered political parties equally, stressing that democracy can only thrive when electoral institutions are independent and accountable.
The allegations come amid heightened political activities and debates over electoral reforms as parties prepare for future elections. Political observers say confidence in the electoral process will remain a key issue in Nigeria's political landscape.
INEC has consistently maintained that it operates independently and is committed to conducting credible elections in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. The commission has repeatedly stated that it does not favor any political party or candidate.
The latest remarks from Atiku add to the growing political discourse surrounding electoral governance, with analysts expecting continued debate over the role of the electoral commission in safeguarding Nigeria's democratic process.