ABUJA, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially declared war on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rejecting what it calls a “poisoned” interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling that has effectively wiped the party’s leadership off the map.
In a move that has sent the opposition into a frenzy, INEC announced it would no longer recognize the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, leaving the surging “mega-party” technically leaderless on the commission’s official portal.
The “Status Quo” Scam?
The firestorm centers on a March 12 appellate court order to maintain the “status quo ante bellum” (the state of affairs before the legal battle began). While INEC claims this means it must hit the “delete” button on the current executives, the ADC is calling foul.
“How can maintaining the status quo mean that a major political party suddenly has no leaders?” questioned legal firebrand Kenneth Okonkwo. The party maintains that INEC is deliberately misreading a procedural order to decapitate the opposition just as it gains momentum for 2027.
“Jittery” Government Accused
The ADC isn’t just blaming bureaucrats; they are pointing fingers straight at the Villa. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi slammed the move as a desperate attempt by the Tinubu administration to destabilize the only platform currently uniting heavyweights from across the political spectrum.
“They are jittery,” a party source stated. “They saw the coalition growing, they saw the names involved, and now they are using INEC to ‘put sand in our garri’ just like they promised.”
INEC’s “Neutral” Nuclear Option
For its part, INEC is playing the role of the strict referee. The commission stated it will not recognize any faction—including the rival group led by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe—until a final, definitive court judgment is delivered.
By refusing to monitor congresses or accept official correspondence from either side, INEC has effectively put the ADC in “political administrative limbo,” a move critics say plays right into the hands of the ruling APC.
What’s Next?
The ADC legal team is reportedly filing an emergency motion to “clarify” the court’s intent, while grassroots supporters have warned of a “digital and physical” protest if the party isn’t restored to the portal immediately.
As the 2027 “Real Politics” season heats up, the battle for the ADC’s soul has moved from the streets to the server rooms of INEC.
