…By Enitan Thompson for TDPel Media.
Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his reaction to the European Union’s (EU) final report on the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
Shaibu criticized Dele Alake, Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, for attempting to discredit the EU report.
According to Shaibu, it is widely known, even among the deceased, that the last election lacked credibility.
Allegations of Electoral Body’s Failure and Delayed Results
Shaibu pointed out that the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been unable to explain why, nearly five months after the election, the complete result has not been uploaded on its result viewing portal.
He argued that even primary school children who did not vote are aware of INEC’s failure and alleged that Tinubu rigged the election.
Shaibu raised concerns about the credibility of an election where the full results have not been uploaded after such a significant amount of time, especially considering the election’s high cost.
Shaibu Disputes Alake’s Criticism of EU’s Involvement
Shaibu dismissed Dele Alake’s claim that the EU was interfering and meddling by discrediting the poll.
He highlighted the hypocrisy of the Nigerian government accepting millions of euros from the EU while simultaneously asserting that the body has no right to comment on the election.
Shaibu emphasized that the EU not only provided training for INEC staff but also donated equipment, making it the largest single donor to INEC.
He argued that Alake should refrain from defending the indefensible and questioned the logic behind his statements.