The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, says Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of president Bola Tinubu.

Atiku said this in a statement on Saturday in reaction to the court’s judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party.

He accused Tinubu of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through a plot to deregister the NDC, warning that such a move could pave the way for a one-party state.

The former Vice President described the  attempt to deregister the opposition party through judicial means as evidence of what he called the administration’s determination to weaken political opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said any effort to restrict political competition or limit citizens’ choices at the ballot box poses a serious threat to democratic governance and national stability.

According to him, the development did not come as a surprise, arguing that recent actions and political signals from the current administration have raised concerns about its commitment to democratic principles.

“Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections,” he said.

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

A member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Taofeek Mustapha was on Saturday shot by suspected political thugs.

Meanwhile, thugs said to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, kidnapped two people in Ilesa.

Read Also: Lagos-Ogun police kill 4 kidnappers, rescue 5 victims, as ‘Operation Kósàyè’ begins

A resident of the Oluode-Aranyin, where the incident occurred, Sola Hammed, disclosed that the hoodlums arrived in an unmarked vehicle and started shooting sporadically into the air.

“We all scampered for safety to avoid stray bullets, then we suddenly heard someone crying for help. But we didn’t look back at the moment.”

The victim said he was running for his life when the thugs shot his leg.

“I was putting on the AMBO-crested cap when the shooting occured.

“Everyone ran for safety, and they pursued me because I was wearing the APC candidate cap. When I was shot, I cried for help. Then the attackers retreated back into their vehicle and drove away.

“The thugs used the insignia of Accord Party; three of them came out of the vehicle with guns and started shooting. Then they saw me, and went after me,” he narrated.

Police confirm shooting, rescue Ilesa kidnap victims

The Osun State police command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, and said investigation has commenced.

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson has also disclosed that the two Ilesa residents kidnapped by suspected political thugs have been rescued.

The victims were reportedly abducted by thugs suspected to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Political violence in the state have heightened tension as the August 15 governorship election draws closer, with reported killing in some parts of the state.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to embark on show of strength and raid criminal hideouts in a bid to flush suspected criminals out of the state ahead of the election.

Disu, who spoke through DIG southwest, Adegoke Fayoade disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at the police command involving INEC, political parties, head of security agencies, religious groups and the media.

He said criminals would not be allowed to set the state on fire and warned politicians to stop harbouring suspected criminals.

Vanguard News

Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, candidate in Delta North Senatorial District, Victor Ochei, has described the judgment of the Kogi Federal High Court concerning the registration of the party as a temporary setback.

Speaking on the issue on Saturday in Asaba, Ochei said he remains confident that the issues arising from the judgment will be resolved through the due process of law.

Ochei, who is a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, said history had shown that temporary setbacks do not define the outcome of a just cause.

He posited that every enduring democratic movement has faced moments of trial.

“I join the leadership of the NDC to respectfully disagree with the judgment. I also acknowledge the position of the leadership of our great party to pursue every lawful and constitutional avenue in addressing this development, and I offer my unwavering support and solidarity as we collectively navigate this temporary setback.

“To my supporters, volunteers, political associates, sympathisers, and the good people of Delta North Senatorial District, I urge you to remain calm, steadfast, and focused. This is not the time for anxiety or discouragement.

“My aspiration has never been about politics for its own sake. It is founded on a sincere commitment to deliver quality representation, responsive leadership, and tangible opportunities for the sons and daughters of Delta North, beginning from our Senatorial District and extending to our people wherever they may be across Nigeria.

“That mission remains intact and will not be derailed by temporary legal challenges. I, therefore, encourage everyone to keep faith with the democratic process, continue strengthening our grassroots structures, deepen our engagement with the people, and remain focused on the bigger objective before us.

“Let no one be distracted. The ideals of justice, service, inclusion, and good governance that inspire our collective efforts are far greater than any momentary obstacle.

“I have absolute faith in the integrity of our judicial system and every confidence that, through the lawful processes available, this matter will ultimately reach a positive and logical conclusion for the party. Until then, let us remain united, hopeful, peaceful, and resolute” Ochei assured.