Political activist Aisha Yesufu has alleged that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were bribed to remove the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising fresh concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Yesufu made the claims on Monday during a live interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television.
Her remarks come in the wake of the recent decision by INEC to strip former Senate President David Mark of his position as national chairman of the ADC, a move that has deepened internal tensions within the party.
Speaking during the interview, Yesufu alleged that there were reports of financial inducements offered to electoral officials.
“There are reports that INEC officials were allegedly bribed with monies up to $50,000, and lands were given. Where is the EFCC and ICPC in all of this?” she queried.
She also claimed that there were suggestions that the INEC Chairman had been subjected to pressure or threats in relation to the decision, although she did not provide specific evidence to support the allegations.
Beyond the electoral body, Yesufu criticised the judiciary, accusing it of enabling political interference and failing to uphold its independence.
“The judiciary has turned itself into the plate of corrupt politicians. And that’s not what it should be,” she said, expressing concern over alleged undue influence and lack of accountability within key institutions.
The activist stressed that the independence of institutions such as INEC and the judiciary is critical to the survival of democracy, warning that any compromise could undermine public trust.
“If there is independence, if there’s accountability, transparency, we don’t have all of these shenanigans going on,” she added.
Yesufu further argued that disputes within political parties should be resolved through the courts without interference, insisting that institutions must not be used as tools against opposition groups.
“This democracy, by the way, many people died for it… and we cannot have a few people come and destroy it just because they want to hang on to power,” she stated.
