The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused INEC of “siding with the government” after the electoral body removed the names of National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola from its portal following a disputed Court of Appeal ruling.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral umpire of compromising its neutrality to favor the ruling administration. In a late-night statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the party rejected INEC’s recent interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling which led to the removal of National Chairman Senator David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola from the commission’s official portal. The ADC alleged that the move was orchestrated by a “jittery” government unsettled by the party’s rising political momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party characterized INEC’s actions as a capitulation to external political influence, suggesting that the electoral body has abandoned its role as an impartial arbiter. “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” Abdullahi stated. He further contended that the official press release from the commission contained logical inconsistencies that the party intended to expose. “INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
As the political climate intensifies, the ADC confirmed it is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its legal and political options to address the de-listing of its top leadership. While a formal challenge is expected in the coming days, the party has called on its supporters to remain calm and await further instructions. “We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon. Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives. Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising,” Abdullahi concluded. This development marks a significant escalation in the friction between the electoral commission and major opposition blocs as the country prepares for its next transition phase.
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