David Mark-Led ADC Rejects Delisting, Says INEC Bowed To Govt’s Pressure

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Senator David Mark has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to delist its leadership, calling the move an act of political capitulation. In a statement released Wednesday, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC's interpretation of a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling was flawed and driven by pressure from the federal government. Abdullahi accused the government of feeling threatened by the ADC's growing influence, claiming it has been systematically undermining opposition parties. "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," he said. He described INEC's statement as illogical and contradictory, asserting that the commission had sided with the government over the people.

INEC had announced earlier the same day that it would no longer recognise or communicate with either the David Mark-led faction or the Rafiu Bala faction of the ADC. A statement by Mohammed Kudu, Chairman of INEC's Information and Voter Education Committee, said the commission would cease monitoring party activities until the Federal High Court resolves the leadership dispute. The commission also confirmed the removal of David Mark's name from its official portal. Rafiu Bala, formerly the party's vice chairman, had challenged the legitimacy of Mark's caretaker committee in court.