APPEAL COURT VERDICT ADC ACCUSES INEC OF ACTING UNDER GOVERNMENT PRESSURE

by HEDNEWS on April 2, 2026

APPEAL COURT VERDICT ADC ACCUSES INEC OF ACTING UNDER GOVERNMENT PRESSURE ADC rejects INEC’s interpretation of Appeal Court ruling, alleges political pressure and bias The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal judgment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of acting under political pressure from the government. The party’s reaction follows INEC’s decision to alter its records and disengage from factions within the party leadership after reviewing the appellate court ruling on an ongoing internal dispute. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described INEC’s interpretation as “contradictory” and inconsistent with the facts of the case. The party alleged that the commission’s stance was influenced by external forces. ADC further claimed that the government was unsettled by the party’s growing political momentum and was using institutions to undermine opposition forces The controversy stems from a leadership crisis within the ADC involving factions led by former Senate President David Mark and another group led by Nafiu Bala. Following a Court of Appeal ruling in March 2026, INEC said it would maintain the “status quo ante effectively reverting to the party structure that existed before the dispute escalated.

INEC removed certain party officials from its portal
Declined to recognise either faction
Suspended engagement with all groups pending further court decisions INEC maintains that its actions are in compliance with the Court of Appeal judgment and aimed at avoiding interference in a matter still before the courts.

The commission said it would not monitor party activities or recognise any leadership claims until the case is resolved at the Federal High Court Despite rejecting INEC’s stance, the ADC said it is reviewing its legal and political options and will announce further steps in due course.