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By Tracy Moses
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute, accusing the electoral body of siding with the government against Nigerians.
Lambasting INEC, the party alleged that the commission acted under pressure from a government anxious over the ADC’s rising momentum, despite ongoing efforts to weaken opposition parties.
In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with facts. He insisted the party would publicly clarify these issues soon.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” Abdullahi said.
The party said it is reviewing its legal and political options and would announce its next steps soon. It also urged its members and Nigerians to remain steadfast amid ongoing developments:
“Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising,” the statement concluded.
The ADC’s leadership crisis emerged after the exit of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu. Following Nwosu’s resignation, rival factions led by former Senate President David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe have been in court over who holds legitimate authority.
The Court of Appeal, in a March 12, 2026 judgment, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the trial court’s final ruling. This prompted INEC to remove the Mark-led National Working Committee from its official portal, sparking the party’s strong rebuke.
Speaking to Pointblanknews.com, some ADC members expressed frustration with the electoral body’s decision. Musa Ibrahim, an Abuja-based ADC supporter, said:
“We stand with our leadership. This is a test of Nigeria’s democracy, and we will not be intimidated by government pressure.”
Political analyst Dr. Aisha Bello, also speaking with Pointblanknews.com, said:
“Opposition parties often feel marginalized when electoral bodies interpret legal directives differently. INEC must maintain neutrality to ensure public trust in the electoral process.”
Members of the public voiced similar concerns. Chinedu Okafor, a Lagos-based civil servant, said:
“If opposition parties can’t get fair treatment, it undermines the electoral system. The courts must settle this quickly.”