APC US holds solidarity march to counter anti-Tinubu protest, LP kicks

The United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress says it plans to hold a political rally on Sunday evening to show solidarity for the planned inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29. A statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman of the United States chapter of the APC, Prof. Tai Balofin, disclosed that the solidarity march was a response to the purported protest by members of Obi-Datti International Political Action Committee.

ODIPAC, a US-based pressure group challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election, has started mobilizing their supporters via viral e-fliers on social media to come out en-masse for its proposed mega rally in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

The flier partly read, “Obidients in Diaspora presents mega rally in the heart of Downtown Chicago. This is a teaser E Flyer for our mega rally. We all need to start creating awareness by sharing the E Flyer with all our contacts and make it go viral.”

But Balofin said the APC-USA was aware that the ODIPAC demonstration, which is being planned in collaboration with NADECO, Afenifere and other groups, is targeted at causing panic ahead of Tinubu’s inauguration.

The APC chieftain was, however, optimistic that the May 29 inauguration ceremony will proceed as planned because it represents the democratic choice of the Nigerian populace.

He said, “We wish to emphasize that the election victory of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu was achieved through a transparent, free, fair, and credible process. The will of the Nigerian people has been expressed, and their mandate to elect Tinubu as their leader cannot be undermined by protests or any form of agitation.

“The leadership of ODIPAC, NADECO, and AFENIFERE intends to hold a rally at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago, purportedly to champion the cause of democracy. While we acknowledge the beauty and significance of the Richard J Daley Center in showcasing good governance, we firmly believe that such a prestigious location should not be utilized for divisive purposes.

“The architectural design and scenic view of the Richard J Daley Center symbolize the unity and harmony that should be fostered within democratic societies. Regrettably, certain groups seek to exploit this setting to propagate their agenda, which contradicts the principles of unity and progress.

“In conclusion, we implore the Independent National Electoral Commission to uphold the will of the Nigerian people and ensure the preservation of democracy by respecting and acknowledging the mandate granted to Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Let us stand together to restore Nigeria’s rightful path to progress and prosperity. We urge all lovers of democracy and supporters of the All Progressives Congress to join us on May 21st in Chicago for a counter-protest against the proposed protest organized by ODIPAC.”

When asked for a reaction, the Spokesman for Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Yunusa Tanko, told our correspondent the demonstrators are not doing anything illegal or outside the Constitution.

According to him, anybody who watched what transpired at the last presidential poll after investing heavily wouldn’t hesitate to protest the outcome, whether in Nigeria or in Diaspora.

He said, “The Nigerian people both locally and internationally invested heavily in this election, including the US and British governments as well as European countries generally. What people were expecting to see was a free, fair and credible election that would be devoid of all kinds of malfeasance.

“Instead, what they saw was a charade, manipulation, intimidation, instigation and every negative word that can be used to describe the election. And so, they are not happy with the outcome of the election as announced by INEC.

“It is their constitutional right to raise an objection by way of protest. They are raising issues that are not beyond the Constitution. I believe they should be allowed to vent their anger. You cannot beat a child and tell him, at the same time, not to cry.”