US Policy Firm Set to Report to Trump on INEC’s Suspension of ADC Leadership
A United States-based policy firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., has said it will report Nigeria’s electoral developments to former U.S. President Donald Trump and members of Congress, following the decision of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The move comes amid rising political tension ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential election, with concerns mounting over the participation of opposition parties in the electoral process.
INEC had recently withdrawn recognition of the ADC leadership and halted all official dealings with the party.
The commission said its decision would remain in place pending the outcome of ongoing court cases surrounding the party’s internal leadership dispute.
The development has effectively stalled the activities of the ADC at a crucial time. The party is considered one of the opposition platforms expected to feature in the coming elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, the U.S. policy firm raised concerns over the implications of INEC’s action on Nigeria’s democracy.
“The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission has withdrawn recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress and suspended all official engagement with the party pending ongoing litigation,” the firm said.
It added that “this action has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition political party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election.”
The firm warned that such a situation could weaken political competition and limit the ability of opposition groups to organise effectively.
It also expressed concern over the timing of the decision, noting that Nigerians are expecting credible and transparent elections.
“At a time when Nigerians expect free, fair, and credible elections, any development that disrupts political participation, creates institutional uncertainty, or undermines the perceived independence of electoral bodies must be addressed with urgency and transparency,” the statement added.
The firm further highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance on the global stage. It noted that developments in the country’s electoral process have wider implications beyond its borders.
“Nigeria is not only Africa’s largest democracy, but also a critical strategic partner of the United States in regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism. The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is therefore of direct importance to U.S. interests and global stability,” it stated.
According to the firm, it will formally engage U.S. lawmakers and the Trump camp in Washington to ensure sustained international attention on Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Accordingly, the firm will be presenting its concerns to members of the United States Congress and the Trump Administration to ensure that the importance of free, fair, and transparent democratic processes in Nigeria remains firmly on the international agenda,” it said.
The firm also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the forthcoming elections meet global standards.
“We call on H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the conduct and outcome of the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, free from doubt, and fully reflective of the will of the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
