APC Calls for Complete Deregistration of ADC by INEC
Ajibola Bashiru, the national secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to completely deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This demand was made during a press conference at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, where Bashiru was accompanied by Felix Morka, the party's national publicity secretary.
Reasoning Behind the Deregistration Demand
Bashiru argued that the ADC has been unable to justify its continued existence as a registered political party in Nigeria. He emphasized that the electoral body should go beyond merely derecognizing the ADC's leadership, which was previously led by former Senate President David Mark, and instead remove the party entirely from the list of registered political parties.
In his statement, Bashiru described the ADC as a drain on national resources and time, suggesting that its presence adds unnecessary complexity and cost to the electoral process without contributing meaningfully to the political landscape.
Context and Implications
This move by the APC highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's political sphere, as major parties seek to streamline the electoral system. The call for deregistration comes amid broader discussions about the efficiency and sustainability of having numerous political parties, many of which have limited influence or activity.
If INEC heeds this request, it could set a precedent for how electoral bodies handle underperforming or inactive parties, potentially leading to a more consolidated political environment in future elections.
