By Our Reporter
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the interpretation of a recent court ruling by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the Commission’s decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership under Senator David Mark.
INEC had earlier announced that it would no longer recognise the Mark-led leadership and would refrain from recognising any faction within the party pending the final determination of the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja, in line with the directive of the Court of Appeal.
However, in a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, faulted INEC’s interpretation of the appellate court’s ruling, describing it as flawed and inconsistent with established facts.
The ADC further alleged that INEC’s decision was influenced by external political pressure, accusing the Federal Government of attempting to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party structure on the country.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” the statement read.
The party claimed it had anticipated such a move, alleging that the Commission was acting under pressure from a government unsettled by what it described as ADC’s growing political momentum.
According to the statement, INEC’s position is riddled with contradictions that “fly in the face of both facts and reason,” adding that the party would, in due course, publicly address and clarify those inconsistencies.
The ADC also warned that the Commission’s stance effectively aligns it with the government against the interests of Nigerians, a claim that underscores escalating tensions between the electoral body and opposition elements.
While stopping short of outlining immediate legal or political action, the party disclosed that it is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next steps in the coming days.
It urged its members and supporters to remain resolute as the situation unfolds, ending its statement with a rallying call: “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”
The latest development deepens the leadership crisis within the ADC and signals a potentially prolonged legal and political battle over the party’s structure and recognition ahead of the 2027 general election.
