The support group of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, known as the Atiku Support Organization (ASO) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressive Congress (APC), not to cripple the Nigerian democratic system. ayokinews.com reports
The group made this known in a statement issued and signed by the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. El Mo Victor, on Saturday 12th June, 2021.
The statement was titled; ‘Do not cripple and sabotage hard-fought democracy in Nigeria. Pass the amended electoral act to strengthen it, and respect the people’s rights, Atiku Support Organisation charges @OfficialAPCNg, @DrAhmadLawan, and @Femgbaja led @NGRSenate.’
“It’s crystal clear to all observers of the political events in Nigeria that what the APC-led Senate and the executive fear most is a new electoral act that will return to the people, the power of the ballot to decide their future leaders.
“Following calamitous performance from 2015 to date and realising that Nigerians are ready to punch them in the nose in future elections, the APC and its leadership in the house are deliberately frustrating efforts to get the amended electoral act passed into law.
“It’s obvious that the APC and drama flaw angled Senate Caucus and the executives have set in motion mechanisms to rig future elections in Nigeria, the only reason they are scared of electoral reform.
“Therefore, we demand the immediate passage of the amended electoral act by Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila Assembly to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and return the power of the ballots to the people of Nigeria.
“We call on the international community, @EUinNigeria, @USinNigeria, the US Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, and UK @CatrionaLaing1 and all Civil Society Organisations to call the house leadership to order. Nigeria cannot afford another bloodbath during elections.
“We wish to also call on the APC and Buhari-led government to desist from crippling and sabotaging democracy in Nigeria for selfish reasons.
“Democracy entails freedom that must be respected and protected by the government and not stifled. The civic space must remain wide open for people to freely express themselves.
“Government should leverage these expressions and opposing views to improve governance and not gagging opposing voices,” the group stated.
