African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.
The party claimed that the interpretation is contradictory and influenced by external pressure.
National Spokesperson of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the position known in a statement issued on Wednesday, in reaction to INEC’s decision to delist the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Earlier, INEC had moved to remove the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
The electoral body said it is complying with a Court of Appeal’s order to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the ongoing leadership crisis between the Mark faction and a rival group led by Nafiu Bala, which both claim the party’s national structure.
Responding, Abdullahi said INEC’s position does not reflect the facts of the case and raises concerns about impartiality.
The statement reads: “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling.
“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.
“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.
“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.
“Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives.
“Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”