ADC Slams INEC For Withdrawing Recognition, Alleges Govt Pressure

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling, accusing the electoral body of succumbing to pressure from a “jittery” federal government threatened by the party’s growing influence.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, immediately after INEC withdrew its recognition, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said INEC’s position on the appellate court’s decision was not only flawed but also indicative of bias in favour of the ruling government.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” Abdullahi said. “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.”

ADC alleged that the government is actively working to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system, warning that INEC’s actions lend credence to those fears.

The party described INEC’s statement as riddled with inconsistencies, insisting that it would soon provide a detailed rebuttal to expose what it called “contradictions.”

“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,” Abdullahi stated.

Raising concerns over the independence of the electoral body, ADC further accused INEC of abandoning its neutrality and aligning with the government against the Nigerian people.

“What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

While stopping short of outlining immediate actions, the party disclosed that it is currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next steps in due course.

“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon,” Abdullahi said.

The party also called for calm among its members and supporters nationwide, urging them to remain resolute as the situation unfolds.

“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives. Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”