“Government Is Behind This” — ADC Rejects INEC’s Appeal Court Ruling on Leadership
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pushed back against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal judgment on the party’s leadership crisis.
The development comes amid rising tension within the party and renewed scrutiny over the role of the electoral body in internal party disputes.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, openly challenged INEC’s position.
He alleged that the commission’s decision was influenced by external forces and not a true reflection of the court’s ruling.
“We reject @inecnigeria’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” Abdullahi said.
The controversy followed INEC’s move to delist the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC.
The action by the commission immediately drew criticism from the party, which insists that the decision lacks both legal backing and factual accuracy.
Abdullahi described INEC’s position as confusing and contradictory. According to him, the commission’s statement does not align with the facts of the case or the substance of the appellate court’s judgment.
“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see,” Abdullahi stated.
He went further to accuse the electoral umpire of abandoning neutrality in the dispute. The party believes INEC has taken a stance that favours the government, raising concerns about fairness and independence in the handling of political matters.
“What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.
The ADC also indicated that it is not ruling out further action. While no immediate steps were announced, the party confirmed that consultations are ongoing and that a clear position will be made public soon.
“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon. Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” the statement added.
