The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal statement, alleging that the commission has abandoned its neutrality by siding with the federal government.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, rejected INEC’s position, describing it as “contradictory and inconsistent with facts.” The party claimed that INEC was acting under pressure from a government it characterized as “jittery” due to the ADC’s growing momentum.
“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” the statement read. “We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties.”
The ADC accused the electoral commission of caving to political pressure, asserting that it has effectively chosen to align with the government against the Nigerian people. The party vowed to publicly clarify what it called the contradictions in INEC’s statement.
According to the release, the ADC is currently reviewing its legal and political options and will announce its next steps in the coming days. The party urged its members and the public to remain steadfast.
“We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon. Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives,” the statement concluded, adding the slogans: “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”