Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has leveled serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claims that the APC deliberately fabricated vote counts during its presidential primary as a rehearsal for manipulating the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Ibe drew a sharp contrast between the two parties’ primary processes. He emphasized that the ADC conducted its primaries with transparency and integrity, unlike the APC, which he accused of generating inflated numbers. During the APC primary, Bola Tinubu secured over 10 million votes, while Atiku garnered 1,855,787 votes to become the ADC’s flag bearer.
“We are not like the APC, which manufactures figures as a dress rehearsal for potential rigging in 2027. That is why they talk about 11 million votes—how is that possible? Those are manufactured numbers. In the ADC, we do things differently,” Ibe stated.
He highlighted that the ADC’s primaries were monitored by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which was present throughout the process. “Our process was open and transparent. If we are to be taken seriously by Nigerians, our internal democracy must be free, fair, and credible. That is exactly what we achieved,” he added.
Ibe also addressed allegations made against the ADC, stressing that until such claims are backed by evidence, they remain unsubstantiated. “Allegations have been made, but without proof, they are just mere allegations,” he concluded.