APC US hosts a solidarity march in response to a demonstration against Tinubu, LP kicks

The American branch of the All Progressives Congress has announced that it will stage a political demonstration on Sunday night in support of Bola Tinubu’s anticipated inauguration as president-elect on May 29. The solidarity march was a response to the alleged protest by members of the Obi-Datti International Political Action Committee, according to a statement made on Sunday by Prof. Tai Balofin, Chairman of the APC’s US chapter.

ODIPAC, a US-based pressure group contesting the results of the February 25 presidential election, has been encouraging its followers to turn out in large numbers for its planned mega rally in Chicago, Illinois, United States, using viral e-fliers on social media.

Obidients in Diaspora presents gigantic rally in the center of Downtown Chicago, according to a portion of the flyer. This E Flyer serves as a teaser for our major rally. By spreading the E Flyer around all of our contacts, we can all start raising awareness.

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.”

The ODIPAC demonstration, which is being prepared in conjunction with NADECO, Afenifere, and other organizations, is intended to cause fear before Tinubu’s inauguration, according to Balofin, who also claimed that the APC-USA is aware of this.

However, the APC leader was confident that the May 29 inauguration ceremony would go according to schedule because it symbolizes the democratic choice of the Nigerian people.

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.”

Yunusa Tanko, a spokesman for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, responded to our request for comment by stating that the demonstrators are not acting in violation of the law or the Constitution.

He claimed that anyone who witnessed what happened during the most recent presidential election after making a significant investment would not be hesitant to oppose the result, whether in Nigeria or the 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.”