The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of attempting to destabilise the party following the defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, its spokesperson, the ADC alleged that there was mounting pressure on Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to interfere in the party’s internal affairs.
The party claimed that a letter dated March 28, purportedly written by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria on behalf of an expelled member, was being used to compel INEC to invalidate its decisions and alter its leadership structure before the court reaches a final ruling.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has observed a coordinated attempt to pressure the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), and destabilise the David Mark-led leadership of the party,” the statement read.
According to the party, Kwankwaso’s defection has unsettled the ruling party, triggering what it described as renewed political attacks.
“The decision of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join our party has understandably sent jitters through the ruling party. Since then, top officials within the Federal Government have renewed their onslaught against our party, in a bid to discourage other high-profile figures,” it stated.
The ADC further alleged that the situation centres on a legal dispute being pushed beyond the courtroom.
“In the said letter, the writers even went ahead to threaten the INEC chairman with arrest if he does not grant their request within seven days. They want INEC to invalidate party meetings, remove recognised officials, and hand over the affairs of the party to a specific individual, even though the case itself has not been fully decided by the courts,” the party said.
The party dismissed claims by one Nafiu Bala Gombe, describing him as an expelled member who was never the party’s national chairman.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe was never the Chairman of the ADC. And, perhaps more significantly, Nafiu Gombe had earlier resigned his position alongside other members of the National Working Committee. He has also since been expelled from the party,” the statement added.
The ADC warned against what it termed attempts to manipulate legal processes, insisting it would resist any move to undermine its structure.
“No amount of pressure, no manufactured confusion, and no distortion of legal processes will stop what is already in motion. The ADC is growing. Nigerians are joining. A credible opposition is taking shape,” it said.
The party also called on INEC to remain neutral and uphold its constitutional responsibilities.
“We call on INEC to remain guided by the Constitution, resist all forms of pressure, and uphold its duty as an impartial umpire.
“This is bigger than the ADC. It is about whether Nigerians can freely choose a different path. And that must not be compromised,”it added.