Stop Blaming Others, Own Your Crisis, Group Tells Atiku, ADC Leaders

Stop Blaming Others, Own Your Crisis, Group Tells Atiku, ADC Leaders

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has faulted claims that President Bola Tinubu or the Independent National Electoral Commission are behind the crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging opposition figures to take responsibility for what it described as self-inflicted problems.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and secretary, Danjuma Sada, the group said recent accusations from within the ADC were misplaced and aimed at diverting attention.

“We find these claims not only baseless but a deliberate attempt to shift attention from the consequences of their own actions,” the statement said.

TSF argued that the crisis within the party stemmed from what it called a flawed and disorderly process through which some political actors attempted to take over the party structure.

“By their own admission, the crisis within the ADC stems from a disorderly and procedurally defective takeover process,” it said, adding that the situation exposed a disregard for internal democracy and due process.

The group said the development reflects a broader pattern in Nigeria’s political space, where ambition and power struggles often take precedence over party building and governance.

“What is playing out in ADC is a familiar pattern… driven by desperation, personal ambition and a lack of coherent strategy,” it stated.

It also drew parallels with past developments in the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that similar practices had contributed to internal divisions and decline within the party.

“For us, it is both ironic and instructive that many of those now crying foul were central to similar conduct that weakened the PDP,” the group said.

The forum maintained that blaming external institutions for internal failings would only erode public trust and weaken opposition credibility.

“Blaming President Tinubu or INEC for what is clearly an internal crisis of leadership and legitimacy is out of place,” it added.

TSF urged leaders within the ADC, including figures such as Atiku Abubakar, to accept responsibility and focus on rebuilding the party along clear rules and structure.

It also called on political actors across the country to prioritise internal democracy and present credible alternatives to Nigerians, rather than engaging in what it described as avoidable disputes.