The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to interfere in its internal affairs, alleging a coordinated effort to destabilise the party following Rabiu Kwankwaso’s defection.
In a statement, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the move raised serious concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s electoral body amid shifting political alignments. The party claimed the pressure stemmed from a March 28 letter authored by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), allegedly on behalf of an expelled member, seeking INEC’s intervention over a disputed Court of Appeal ruling on status quo ante bellum.
“ADC has observed a coordinated attempt to pressure INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, to destabilise the David Mark-led leadership of the party,” the statement read. The party linked the development to Kwankwaso’s defection, suggesting it unsettled the ruling party and prompted efforts to discourage further high-profile defections.
The letter reportedly threatened the INEC chairman with arrest if the request was not granted within seven days, an action ADC described as an attempt to pressure INEC to take sides. The party also dismissed claims by a former official, Nafiu Bala Gombe, asserting he never held the position he now claims nor remained a member.
ADC emphasised that no pressure, confusion, or legal distortion would halt its growth, asserting: “ADC is growing. Nigerians are joining. A credible opposition is taking shape.” The party urged INEC to remain impartial, uphold the constitution, and protect Nigerians’ right to freely choose a different political path.
