Atiku, Makinde in separate closed-door meetings with IBB
By Wole Mosadomi
Minna, Nigeria — Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chieftain Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, along with Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held separate private meetings with former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at his residence in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.
Following his meeting, Atiku criticized the amended Electoral Bill recently passed by the Senate, urging all opposition parties and the Nigerian public to contest its provisions. He described the new bill as detrimental to the electoral process, suggesting it could create confusion.
“The Senate’s decision will complicate elections in this country,” Atiku stated. He expressed disappointment that the bill failed to provide for real-time electronic transmission of results, opting instead for a combination of electronic and manual methods. “This mixed approach will only lead to more chaos rather than solving existing problems,” he added.
The former Vice President called for unity among opposition political parties to oppose the amendment. He emphasized that the electoral system should reflect the expectations of Nigerians, who anticipated a streamlined process for result transmission.
In addition to discussing the Electoral Bill, Atiku condemned recent Tax Bills, labeling them controversial, and criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “party of forgers.”
“Everything they touch turns into forgery, whether it is age limits or tax laws,” he remarked, underscoring his concerns about the current administration’s integrity.
Regarding party leadership, Atiku clarified that the ADC has not established any zoning framework for presidential candidates. “Unlike the PDP, our constitution does not include zoning,” he said, indicating that the ADC is currently focused on mobilizing new members and registering them.
Atiku arrived in Minna by private jet at approximately 2 p.m. and was accompanied by Mr. Ben Obi and Hajia Hassana Shuaibu Dada, the Assistant National Youth Leader of the ADC, before proceeding to his meeting with Babangida.
Governor Makinde, after his own private audience with Babangida, declined to answer questions from the press.
This development follows the Senate’s emergency meeting during which the amended Electoral Bill was passed, allowing for a combination of electronic and manual transmission of results from polling stations.
