Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over its decision on the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging a plot to undermine credible elections ahead of 2027.
Effiong, in a post on X on Wednesday, said recent developments surrounding the ADC raised concerns about a “well-orchestrated sinister conspiracy” to truncate a transparent electoral process.
His remarks come after INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively, and announced it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.
The Commission also suspended recognition of all factions within the party and said it would refrain from monitoring conventions or congresses organised by the rival groups, pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
Reacting, Effiong questioned the basis of the dispute, pointing that, according to available information, members of the party’s executive had resigned to pave the way for a new leadership led by Mark and Aregbesola, which was subsequently ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee.
He argued that leadership disputes within political parties had traditionally been regarded as internal matters, raising concerns over judicial intervention in the ADC crisis.
Effiong also referenced the Court of Appeal’s directive for parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, questioning whether this implied a leadership vacuum within the party until the case is resolved.
He further accused INEC of potentially acting in favour of the ruling party, suggesting that the developments could be aimed at weakening opposition ahead of the next general elections.
“Whose script is this INEC playing?
“It seems that the ruling party, which prides itself as having over thirty governors in its fold, is so scared of a fair contestation.
“If it is the desire of INEC for Bola Tinubu to contest as a sole candidate – unopposed, in 2027, let the Commission say so publicly.
“It will save the country the billions of Naira budgeted for the ‘presidential election,” he said.
