The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the purported delisting of its key political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the electoral body’s interpretation of a recent court ruling as misleading and politically motivated.
The ADC has in recent months positioned itself as a growing force within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, attracting several high profile politicians, issuing strong criticism of government anti-people policies as well as amplifying calls for electoral reforms.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on Wednesday, the party accused INEC of acting under pressure from a “jittery government” allegedly threatened by the growing popularity of the ADC. The party claimed that recent developments reflect a broader attempt to weaken opposition forces and impose a one-party system in Nigeria.
The controversy stems from INEC’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal pronouncement, which the commission cited as justification for its position. However, the ADC argued that INEC’s stance is riddled with contradictions and fails to align with both the facts of the case and established legal reasoning.
“We reject INEC’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” the statement read.
The party further alleged that the electoral umpire’s actions signal a troubling alignment with the ruling government, rather than neutrality as required of an independent institution. According to the ADC, INEC’s response to the appellate court’s statement demonstrates a willingness to undermine democratic principles and the will of the Nigerian electorate.
Describing INEC’s press statement as “full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason,” the ADC vowed to publicly clarify what it called inconsistencies in the commission’s position. It added that a detailed response would be made available in due course to address the legal and procedural issues involved.
The party disclosed that it is currently reviewing its legal and political options in response to the development and will announce its next course of action soon. While it did not specify whether it would challenge INEC’s decision in court, the tone of the statement suggests that further legal action remains a possibility.
In the meantime, the ADC called on its members and supporters across the country to remain calm and resolute. “We urge our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” the statement added.
The party reiterating its confidence in its political trajectory. “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising,” it declared.
