ADC Accuses INEC of Bowing to Pressure, Rejects Appeal Court Interpretation
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling, alleging that the electoral body acted under pressure from a government unsettled by the party’s growing political momentum.
The position was contained in a press release issued on April 1, 2026, and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
In the statement, the ADC insisted that INEC’s stance was influenced by external forces, declaring, “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling,” and alleging that the commission 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 party described INEC’s position as flawed and inconsistent, stating that “INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason,” while vowing to “clarify these contradictions for all to see.”
It further accused the electoral body of compromising its neutrality, asserting that “INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.”
Despite its criticism, the ADC said it is weighing its next line of action, noting, “We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.”
The party also called on its members and supporters to remain calm and resolute, urging them to “remain steadfast as they await further directives,” while expressing optimism about its future, declaring, “Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.”
Below is the full text of the press release issued by the party
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 April 2026
ADC Reacts to INEC’s Interpretation of Court of Appeal Statement
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, alleging that the electoral body acted under pressure from a government panicked by the opposition momentum despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria.
The party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with facts, insisting that it would publicly clarify these issues, while warning that the commission has effectively sided with the government against Nigerians. ADC said it is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next steps soon, urging its members and the public to remain steadfast as events unfold.
The full statement read:
We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. 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.
INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.
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.
Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.
Signed:
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
