Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC over its handling of the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress ADC, alleging a plot to undermine credible elections ahead of 2027.
Effiong, in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, said recent developments surrounding the ADC point to what he described as a “well orchestrated sinister conspiracy” to truncate a transparent electoral process.
His remarks followed INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively. The commission also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.
INEC further 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, noting that, based on 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 treated 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 implies 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.
