Wike Reacts to INEC’s Refusal to Recognise David Mark-Led ADC Leadership

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should have recognised Nafiu Bala Gombe as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Wike made the remarks during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, commenting on the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

He added that the ADC should actually be “happy that INEC didn’t recognise any of the party members until they sort their matter in court.”

His statement follows INEC’s recent action removing the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.

The commission further declared that it would not recognise Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared National Chairman through the courts.

INEC has suspended recognition of all factions within the party and will not monitor any conventions or congresses organised by rival groups, pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

On the development, Wike said, “In my own opinion, INEC, by that judgment, ought to have recognized Bala Gombe as the ADC national chairman.

“ADC should be happy that INEC said, ‘Look, we are not going to recognize any of you until you sort your matter in court.’”

Meanwhile, the ADC has accused INEC of violating the law and taking sides in the party’s leadership dispute.