A legal practitioner, Nura Ahmad Muhammad, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lacks constitutional authority to determine the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that internal party disputes remain matters for judicial resolution. ⚖️
Speaking to journalists, Muhammad described the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC as a common occurrence in political parties, noting that such disagreements are typically resolved through party constitutions but often end up in court due to conflicting interpretations.
He stressed that since the matter is already before the court, all factions should maintain the status quo pending a final judgment. According to him, INEC can only act in line with court decisions and does not have the mandate to determine party leadership.
Muhammad cited Section 223(1) of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 83(1) of the Electoral Act, explaining that the commission’s role is largely supervisory rather than interventionist in internal party affairs.
The dispute has seen rival factions aligned with David Mark and Nafiu Bala both laying claim to the party’s leadership, prompting legal action to settle the matter.
Earlier, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised INEC’s handling of the crisis, particularly its decision to withdraw recognition from the Mark-led faction, suggesting possible external interference in the commission’s actions. 🗳️
At the grassroots level, an ADC member in Kano, Kabir Sani Mai Kwanuka, alleged that some party leaders were collaborating with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken the opposition party, warning that continued internal divisions could threaten its future.
Meanwhile, the Mark-aligned faction held a national convention on Tuesday despite uncertainty over INEC’s recognition. Speaking at the event, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola defended the legitimacy of the exercise, insisting the dissolution of the former National Working Committee followed due process and had earlier been communicated to INEC.
Aregbesola also criticised the commission for failing to monitor the convention, describing its absence as a breach of statutory responsibility and alleging attempts to delegitimise the party’s internal processes.
Addressing delegates at the convention, Mark said the ADC would resist what he described as attempts to undermine opposition politics, urging political actors across parties to unite in defence of Nigeria’s democracy, while Obi separately warned that worsening insecurity and rising public debt under the current administration signalled troubling national trends. 🇳🇬
