Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought to have recognised Nafiu Bala Gombe as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, Wike addressed the ongoing leadership crisis within the party, noting that INEC’s decision to withhold recognition from all factions may have helped prevent further complications.
His comments follow INEC’s move to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
The commission also declined to recognise Bala Gombe, who is seeking the position through the courts.
INEC maintained that it has suspended recognition of all factions and will not monitor any party conventions or congresses until the matter is resolved by the Federal High Court.
Reacting, Wike said, “In my own opinion, INEC, by that judgment, ought to have recognized Bala Gombe as the ADC national chairman.
“ADC should be happy that INEC said, ‘Look, we are not going to recognize any of you until you sort your matter in court.’”
Meanwhile, the ADC has accused INEC of acting unlawfully and taking sides in the ongoing leadership dispute.