Dumebi Kachikwu, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the last general election, has openly criticized INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, accusing him of showing disdain for President Bola Tinubu in his final days in office.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Thursday, Kachikwu expressed his belief that Yakubu’s actions were a deliberate “parting shot” aimed at the president.
Kachikwu pointed out that Yakubu’s decision to recognize the David Mark-led ADC leadership was made at a time when several cases involving the party were still pending in court.
This, according to Kachikwu, was an unprofessional move. He believed Yakubu’s actions were meant to send a message of discontent towards President Tinubu, stating, “I knew that, as the chairman was leaving, I knew that he was going to give the President a big middle finger.”
The statement came after INEC announced its backing for David Mark as the legitimate leader of the ADC, publishing his name on the Commission’s portal. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly because the case regarding the leadership dispute within the ADC is still in court.
Kachikwu didn’t hold back in his criticism of Yakubu, calling him “one of the worst, the biggest mistakes we’ve made as a country.” He further added that he had little faith in the INEC chairman’s ability to fairly resolve the party’s leadership issue, believing that the judiciary would ultimately decide the outcome.
He went on to express his frustration, saying that the current political situation in Nigeria often leaves smaller parties like his own as the victims, with larger parties engaging in power struggles while the people suffer. “When two elephants are fighting, the grass is the victim,” Kachikwu lamented, highlighting how political tensions often leave the common citizens caught in the middle.
This outburst has further deepened the political divide in Nigeria, as Kachikwu’s words continue to resonate with many Nigerians who are watching closely to see how the courts will address the leadership crisis within the ADC. His comments reflect the larger dissatisfaction with the country’s electoral system and the actions of those in power.
