Atiku's Aide Claims EU Mission's Report Reveals Election Rigging by Tinubu in 2023 Polls

In response to the federal government's criticism of the European Union's (EU) post-election findings, Phrank Shuaibu, the special assistant on public communication to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member Atiku Abubakar, has praised the report of the foreign observers. 

Shuaibu expressed his disappointment with President Tinubu and his allies for dismissing the EU's report, stating that the election lacked any credibility. He pointed out the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide an explanation for the delay in uploading the election results. Shuaibu emphasized that even primary school children, who didn't vote, were aware of INEC's failure and Tinubu's alleged rigging. He highlighted the fact that despite the Presidential election taking place on February 25, 2023, the complete results had not been uploaded as of July 2, 2023, despite the election being the most expensive in West Africa's history. Shuaibu questioned how an election that hadn't fully disclosed its results after nearly five months could be considered credible.

Shuaibu also criticized Alake's remarks regarding the EU's report, calling them nonsensical. 

He found it hypocritical that the Nigerian government accepted millions of dollars in election funding from the EU but objected to the EU commenting on the election. Shuaibu pointed out that the EU had allocated 39 million euros for Nigeria's 2023 election, with a significant portion going to INEC for support. The EU provided training and equipment for INEC, yet the election was conducted poorly, according to Shuaibu. He questioned why Alake claimed that the EU had no right to speak when it was the largest donor to INEC.

Shuaibu further cited the outcome of the presidential polls in Rivers state as evidence that the election lacked credibility, supporting the federal government and INEC's concerns. In the statement, Atiku's spokesperson revealed plans to reward former governor Nyesom Wike with a ministerial appointment for his role in securing Tinubu's victory in the Niger Delta state.