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 yielding to political pressure amid the party’s growing influence.
INEC had, in a statement on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said its actions regarding the ADC leadership dispute were based on the Court of Appeal judgment.
Reacting, the ADC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed INEC’s position and described it as inconsistent with both facts and logic.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” Abdullahi stated.
The party alleged that the electoral body acted under pressure from the ruling government, which it claimed is unsettled by the ADC’s rising political momentum.
“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,” he said.
Abdullahi further criticised INEC’s official communication, describing it as contradictory and misleading.
“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 added.
The ADC said it is currently reviewing its options in response to the development and would make its next steps known in due course.
“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon,” Abdullahi said.
He, however, urged party members and supporters across the country to remain calm and await further directives.
“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s confidence, Abdullahi concluded: “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”
