Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday raised fresh concerns over alleged election manipulation at collation centres, warning that urgent and effective countermeasures are needed to protect the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
The former vice president made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Coalition for Democracy Movement, led by Dr. Jibril Shehu Mustapha. The discussion centred on strengthening electoral integrity, political coordination, and safeguarding votes nationwide.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku disclosed that the group outlined its organisational structure across Nigeria and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting his political efforts. He emphasised the importance of protecting votes and ensuring credible elections, particularly at the collation stage, where irregularities are often reported.
“I highlighted growing concerns about election manipulation, especially at collation centres, and stressed the need for effective countermeasures,” Atiku said. He also expressed appreciation for the coalition’s consistent backing, assuring members that their contributions and sacrifices would be remembered as part of the broader struggle to defend democratic principles.
The Coalition for Democracy Movement has positioned itself as a key player in advocating for electoral reforms and political accountability. Its engagement with Atiku underscores the ongoing efforts by political actors and civil society to address systemic challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Atiku’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral processes, with opposition figures and civil society groups frequently raising alarms over alleged manipulation during vote collation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has repeatedly pledged to address such concerns, but incidents of disputed results continue to fuel public distrust.
The meeting signals a continued push for reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in future elections, with Atiku and his supporters advocating for stronger safeguards at every stage of the voting process.
