INEC Formally Receives ADC Petition Amid Escalating Political Standoff
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially acknowledged receipt of a formal petition submitted by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the electoral body and the opposition party. The petition was delivered on Wednesday by ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola and was received by INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Zuru at the commission's headquarters in Abuja.
ADC Reiterates Demand for Immediate Removal of INEC Chairman
Central to the petition is the ADC's persistent demand for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan. The party alleges that Amupitan has deliberately misinterpreted a recent ruling from the Court of Appeal, which they claim is aimed at undermining ADC's operations and weakening opposition participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. While specific details of the petition were not immediately disclosed, sources indicate it outlines grievances related to INEC's suspension of recognition for the ADC, citing the court's directive to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending a Federal High Court decision.
Prominent Opposition Figures Lead Protest to INEC Headquarters
In a related development, prominent opposition leaders, including former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, led a peaceful protest to INEC's Maitama office in Abuja. They were joined by other political heavyweights such as David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Dino Melaye. Protesters carried placards with messages like "Tinubu, let our Democracy breathe" and "I stand with ADC, I stand with Democracy," highlighting the deepening crisis within the opposition ranks.
Background: Leadership Tussle and Court Ruling Spark Controversy
The conflict stems from a leadership dispute within the ADC following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu. Two factions emerged: one led by David Mark and another by a claimant named Bala, each asserting legitimacy based on the party's constitution. The Court of Appeal dismissed an interlocutory appeal from Mark's camp and ordered all parties to maintain the existing state of affairs until the Federal High Court resolves the case. INEC Chairman Amupitan defended the commission's stance, stating, "The court also ordered that parties should maintain status quo ante bellum and should not do anything that will foist a fait accompli on the trial court or render the proceedings nugatory."
Factional Divisions Deepen as ADC Vows to Proceed with Convention
Despite INEC's interpretation, the faction loyal to David Mark has rejected it as deliberate and called for Amupitan's resignation. Meanwhile, a separate faction aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu has emerged, supporting INEC's decision to suspend dealings with both leadership blocs. The ADC has vowed to proceed with its planned convention ahead of the 2027 elections, rejecting Amupitan's claim that INEC is acting within a "multi-party constitutional order." Observers warn that the outcome of the Federal High Court case could significantly shape the ADC's political future and impact the broader electoral landscape.
