The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgment related to the party’s leadership dispute.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the electoral commission acted under outside influence.
“We reject @inecnigeria’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 said.
Earlier, INEC had moved to remove the names of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
Reacting, the party described the commission’s position as inconsistent with both facts and the court ruling.
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
He further alleged that the commission had taken sides in the dispute.
“What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.
The ADC added that it is considering its next line of action.
“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,” the statement added.