ADC rejects INEC’s delisting of David Mark-led leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to delist the party leadership headed by Senator David Mark, calling it politically motivated.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC national publicity secretary, alleged that INEC acted “under pressure from a government panicked by the opposition momentum” despite efforts to weaken opposition parties.

“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,” the statement read.

The dispute stems from an ongoing court case over the ADC’s leadership, in which two factions are vying for control. The Court of Appeal had issued a status quo order, instructing all parties to maintain the situation as it was before the dispute until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment.

Following this, INEC withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership and removed their names from its official portal, stating it would not engage with any faction until the legal case is resolved.

The ADC, however, insists that the electoral body misinterpreted the court ruling and vowed to clarify the contradictions. The party has urged members and Nigerians to remain steadfast as it reviews its options.