ADC Defies INEC, Vows to Proceed with Congresses and Convention
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly declared its intention to proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention, despite the stance taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the party's ongoing leadership tussle. This bold move was announced by the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, during an appearance on Arise TV on Thursday.
Abdullahi emphasized that the party had already provided INEC with the required 21-day notice for the events, which he stated had been accepted by the commission. "We are saying that we will go ahead with our congresses. We have given INEC 21 days' notice. They have accepted the notice," Abdullahi asserted. "So whether they come or not, we will continue with our congresses. And we will go on with our convention."
INEC's Announcement and ADC's Accusations
This development follows INEC's announcement on Wednesday that it would no longer recognize the factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, a decision made after reviewing a Court of Appeal judgment. In response, the ADC issued a statement on the same day, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of exerting pressure on INEC to take illegal actions aimed at destabilizing the opposition party.
The ADC linked this alleged interference to the recent defection of former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Sunday and formally joined the ADC on Monday. Abdullahi, in a post on his official X account on Wednesday, claimed that "the APC's desperate plan has been uncovered," highlighting what he described as a sinister plot to undermine the ADC.
Alleged Tactics and Political Maneuvering
Abdullahi detailed that after facing resistance from INEC, the APC government has allegedly shifted tactics. "Information reaching us this morning is that a public protest is being planned for tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd April, in Abuja, sponsored by a particularly notorious minister," he revealed. According to him, this protest is intended to create public pressure on the INEC Chairman to recognize an individual who has resigned and been expelled from the ADC as its National Chairman.
He further explained, "The plan is simple: a paid crowd, posturing as aggrieved party members, will take to the streets demanding 'David Mark Must Go.' This, they hope, will create 'public pressure' on the INEC Chairman to magically upgrade and recognise an individual who resigned his position and was subsequently expelled from the ADC, to the position of National Chairman of a party he no longer belongs to."
ADC's Stance and Commitment to Lawfulness
Abdullahi asserted that the APC's alleged plan to hijack the leadership of the ADC, which he described as the only viable opposition party remaining in Nigeria, is a real and pressing threat. He noted that the APC has reached a new level of desperation, fearing not only the ADC's growing momentum but also the potential for public belief in political change.
Despite these challenges, Abdullahi assured that the ADC remains focused on its responsibilities to Nigerians and committed to operating within the bounds of the law. "The ADC remains focused on its duty to Nigerians, and the party shall remain law-abiding, adding that they will, however, resist by all lawful and necessary means," he stated. He also issued a warning, calling on President Tinubu to intervene: "If they are not acting on his orders, President Tinubu should rein in his enforcers before it is too late."
This unfolding political drama underscores the intense rivalries and strategic maneuvers within Nigeria's political landscape, as parties jockey for position ahead of future elections. The ADC's defiance signals a determination to maintain its autonomy and challenge perceived external interference, setting the stage for further developments in this high-stakes confrontation.
