The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken sides with the government against Nigerians.
ADC has also rejected INEC’s interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling and alleging it was shaped by pressure from a government unsettled by the party’s growing momentum.
The party said the development raises deeper concerns about the neutrality of the electoral body and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
ADC made its position known in a late-night statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, reacting to the decision of the electoral umpire to remove the names of its National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from its portal.
The party added that it is reviewing the situation and will soon announce its next steps.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
