The African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark has faulted the interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral body of yielding to political pressure.
He alleged that INEC’s position was influenced by a government unsettled by the ADC’s growing influence, despite what he described as sustained efforts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system.
“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.
Abdullahi further described INEC’s statement as inconsistent, arguing that it contradicts both facts and logic.
“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.
The ADC spokesman added that the party is currently reviewing its options and will communicate its next steps in due course.
He also urged party members and supporters to remain calm and resolute as the situation develops, expressing confidence in the party’s future.
We reject @inecnigeria’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.
INEC had earlier on Wednesday said it will henceforth cease to accept correspondences from either the David Mark-led ADC faction or that of Rafiu Bala, following a review of the Court of Appeal judgment on March 12 this year.
A statement signed by the Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, also noted that the commission will no longer engage with either faction, nor monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions of the two groups until the matter at the Federal High Court is decided.
The commission further announced that it would remove the names of David Mark from the INEC portal.
Rafiu Bala, who was the vice chairman of the ADC before the David Mark-led caretaker committee assumed control of the party, approached the courts to challenge the emergence of David Mark and his colleagues at the National Working Committee.