Go to Court if Dissatisfied with INEC Decision, APC Tells ADC

Go to Court if Dissatisfied with INEC Decision, APC Tells ADC

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark to seek redress in court rather than resort to public accusations over its ongoing leadership dispute.

The party’s position follows a move by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which on Wednesday removed the names of the Mark-led National Working Committee from its official portal, citing a subsisting court judgment and the need to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case before a Federal High Court.

Reacting at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, said the electoral body’s action was grounded in law and not influenced by political considerations.

“If Senator Mark and his faction believe INEC’s interpretation is flawed, they ought to know the proper channel to seek redress; the courts,” Basiru said.

He dismissed allegations by the faction that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was undermining opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, describing such claims as “baseless” and a diversion from internal challenges within the ADC.

According to him, INEC’s decision was a direct consequence of a Court of Appeal ruling which directed all parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo, pending the resolution of the substantive matter.

Basiru argued that the commission’s stance reflected adherence to due process, noting that decisions taken by INEC are institutional and guided strictly by legal provisions.

“It is preposterous for anyone to call for the removal of the INEC chairman and commissioners simply because a decision does not favour them,” he said.

The APC scribe further criticised the ADC faction for insisting on proceeding with party activities, including congresses, despite ongoing litigation, warning that such actions could amount to a violation of court orders.

“It is settled law that court decisions are binding on all parties until set aside by a competent court,” he said, adding that any steps taken in defiance of judicial pronouncements risk being nullified.

He also rejected claims that the current administration was steering the country towards a one-party system, noting that Nigeria still has multiple registered political parties capable of participating in elections.

Basiru maintained that the ADC crisis stemmed from internal disagreements and procedural missteps, including what he described as a flawed appeal process that was dismissed by the appellate court.

“Their predicament is self-inflicted. You cannot blame others for failing to manage your internal affairs,” he said.

He added that political relevance must be earned through electoral performance and public trust, not declarations made at press conferences.

Basiru urged the faction to resolve its differences through lawful means, stressing that the judiciary remains the appropriate avenue for addressing grievances.

“The rule of law must prevail. If they have grievances, the courts remain the appropriate avenue,” he said.