The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to withdraw its recognition, calling the move a product of federal government pressure. In a statement released Wednesday and signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused INEC of misrepresenting a recent Court of Appeal ruling and acting in a manner biased toward the ruling government. "We reject INEC's interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling," Abdullahi said. "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." ADC claimed the government is attempting to dismantle opposition forces and establish a one-party state, with INEC's actions reinforcing that trajectory. The party described INEC's statement as inconsistent and illogical, pledging to issue a detailed rebuttal. "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," Abdullahi stated. ADC alleged that the electoral body has abandoned neutrality, asserting that it has "caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people." While no immediate action was announced, the party confirmed it is reviewing its legal and political options. Members and supporters were urged to remain calm and resolute. "Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives. Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising."
INEC's sudden withdrawal of recognition from ADC, following a court ruling it claims to uphold, raises immediate questions about who truly directs its decisions. Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi's statement exposes a widening gap between the commission's public posture and its actions under political strain. If INEC continues to mirror government impulses rather than judicial outcomes, its credibility as an impartial arbiter is effectively null. For Nigerian voters, this means elections may be less about choice and more about compliance.
