The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to remove key ADC leaders from official recognition.
INEC, through its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, announced that it would no longer recognise the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola. The commission said its decision was based on a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing legal dispute over the party’s leadership.
The electoral body explained that it had received conflicting legal communications from opposing factions within the ADC. While one side urged the commission not to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting chairman due to a pending case, another insisted that a Court of Appeal ruling supported his claim to the position.
According to INEC, the situation forced it to step back from recognising any faction. The commission also removed the names of the current leadership from its portal and suspended all official dealings with the party until the courts deliver a final judgment.
Reacting to the development, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling, arguing that maintaining the status quo should mean recognising the leadership that existed before the legal dispute began. He insisted that David Mark remained the legitimate leader of the party and warned that any attempt to alter that position would be resisted.
The PDP, through its spokesperson, also condemned the move, describing it as a threat to democracy and alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was behind the crisis in opposition parties. The party warned that such actions could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system.
Similarly, the Obidient Movement, a support group for Peter Obi, described INEC’s decision as dangerous and capable of triggering political instability. Its National Coordinator cautioned that using a pending court case as the basis for derecognition could have serious consequences if not handled carefully.
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Despite the backlash, INEC maintained that its actions were guided strictly by the Court of Appeal’s directive to preserve the status quo and avoid taking steps that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe commended the commission, describing its decision as fair and in line with due process. They insisted that INEC’s stance reflects neutrality and respect for the rule of law.
As the leadership tussle continues, the commission has made it clear that it will not engage with any group within the ADC until the courts settle the matter, leaving the party’s structure in a state of uncertainty
