The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has openly rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling concerning the party’s leadership crisis.
In a statement released Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused INEC of acting under political pressure. He claimed the electoral body’s position was influenced by government interests unsettled by the ADC’s growing popularity.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government jittery about the ADC’s rising momentum,” Abdullahi said.
INEC had earlier announced plans to remove Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC. The commission explained that its decision was based on the appellate court’s directive for parties to maintain the status quo pending resolution of the substantive case at the Federal High Court.
The ADC, however, described INEC’s statement as contradictory and inconsistent with the facts of the ruling. Abdullahi argued that the commission had taken sides in the dispute, undermining its claim of neutrality. “INEC has caved to pressure and chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.
The party added that it is reviewing its options and will announce its next steps soon. In the meantime, it urged members and supporters to remain steadfast and await further directives.
The dispute reflects ongoing tensions within the ADC’s leadership, with rival factions contesting control of the party. INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from Mark and Aregbesola has intensified the conflict, while the ADC insists the commission’s interpretation misrepresents the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
As the matter heads back to the Federal High Court, the ADC’s response signals that the party intends to challenge INEC’s position vigorously. The outcome will likely shape the party’s role in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
