The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its demand for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, warning that such calls could further inflame political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Moro cautioned against what he described as the rising trend of protests and public agitation, noting that calls for the removal of electoral officials are not new in Nigeria’s political history and do not necessarily resolve electoral disputes.
He argued that forcing the INEC chairman to resign could undermine confidence in the electoral body itself. According to him, if the commission’s leadership is deemed biased, it raises broader concerns about the credibility of the institution in conducting future elections.
Moro also faulted the ADC’s approach, accusing the party of contributing to the overheating of the political space through repeated protests. He noted that the ADC remains just one of several political parties participating in Nigeria’s electoral process and questioned whether street demonstrations were the appropriate means to challenge the government.
The lawmaker further criticised opposition figures who, according to him, are attempting to adopt the ADC as a political platform without following due process, instead resorting to public protests and agitation.
His remarks come amid an escalating dispute between the ADC and INEC over the party’s leadership crisis. The ADC, led by former Senate President David Mark, had earlier accused the ruling government of attempting to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party state.
The controversy intensified after INEC announced the delisting of key ADC figures, including Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, citing compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of ongoing litigation.
INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna stated that the commission’s decision was guided by judicial directives, though differing interpretations of the “status quo ante bellum” order have continued to fuel disagreement among political actors.
The dispute underscores growing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections, with debates over electoral integrity, party leadership, and institutional neutrality taking centre stage.
