The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside Obidient movement, on Wednesday kicked against the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to de-recognise the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and other party officials.
INEC, in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the move was in compliance with a subsisting court order directing the commission to maintain status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legitimacy of Mark’s leadership.
The commission also removed the names of Mark and Aregbesola from its portal and declined recognition of Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is laying claim to the party’s chairmanship.
INEC said it was caught between conflicting legal directives from rival factions, noting that while one camp urged it not to recognise Gombe due to a pending suit, another demanded enforcement of an appellate court judgment said to favour his position.
The electoral body maintained that its decision was anchored on the March 12, 2026 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed Mark’s interlocutory appeal and ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
It further announced the suspension of all engagements with the party’s factions, stating that it would neither recognise nor monitor any meeting, congress, or convention convened in the name of the ADC until the matter is resolved by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
However, the development sparked outrage among opposition figures.
In a statement shared on X, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling, insisting that the directive to maintain status quo meant preserving the leadership structure as it existed before the dispute—when Mark was in charge.
He alleged that the commission’s action was a calculated attempt to undermine democratic structures, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress-led government of mounting pressure on INEC.
Similarly, PDP spokesman, Ini Ememobong, described the move as a dangerous precedent, urging Nigerians to defend democratic principles.
Also, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, warned that INEC’s decision could trigger a crisis, cautioning the commission against actions capable of eroding public trust in the electoral process.
INEC, however, insisted it would refrain from dealing with any faction and would not take steps capable of prejudicing the outcome of the ongoing litigation.
In a report obtained from a national daily, an ally of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, on Wednesday condemned the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing it as “absurd and unacceptable.”
Tanko faulted INEC for relying on a pending court case to justify its action, querying the basis for refusing to recognise party officials while the matter remains unresolved.
He further alleged political interference, warning that the development could have far-reaching consequences for the country if not reversed.
“This is completely absurd. A court case that is still pending. When did they adjudicate on the issue of the court case and make it a basis to say they are not recognising anybody? This is terrible. This is unacceptable. They should be careful with the way they are going. We will reject this, honestly,” he said.
Tanko insisted that the move would be resisted, stressing that any action capable of undermining democratic processes must not be allowed to stand.
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