ADC Alleges Political Interference, Releases INEC Affidavit Affirming David Mark-Led NWC
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Nigeria’s opposition space witnessed fresh controversy on Wednesday as the African Development Congress (ADC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to undermine multiparty democracy, following the release of an affidavit said to validate its leadership structure.
The claims were contained in a statement issued by the party, drawing attention to an INEC affidavit dated September 12, 2025, which it said was authored by its leadership and recently made public on X, formally Twitter.
According to the ADC, the affidavit affirms that a leadership transition within the party had already been concluded and formally recognised by INEC, particularly referencing Clauses 14 to 19.
“It is now crystal clear that the APC and the embattled INEC Chairman are using INEC to push a one-party system in Nigeria,” the statement alleged, raising concerns over what it described as growing political interference in electoral processes.
The party argued that the affidavit supports its position that internal party matters fall outside the scope of judicial intervention, suggesting that any external attempts to challenge its leadership structure may be unconstitutional.
Political observers note that disputes over party leadership and recognition by INEC have increasingly become flashpoints in Nigeria’s democratic process, often raising questions about institutional neutrality and legal boundaries.
The ADC further warned that perceived partisanship by electoral authorities could erode public confidence in the system.
“When an institution constitutionally expected to act as an impartial umpire is seen to be taking sides in internal party affairs, it strikes at the very foundation of democratic fairness and public trust,” the party stated.
It added that the situation transcends party politics, framing it as a broader democratic concern.
“No democracy can survive where state institutions are turned into political weapons against opposition parties,” the statement read, warning of what it described as “a dangerous attempt to weaken multiparty democracy and silence alternative political voices.”
However, analysts say such allegations are not new in Nigeria’s political landscape, where opposition parties have frequently accused ruling governments of leveraging state institutions for political advantage—claims that are often denied by authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the APC had officially responded to the allegations. The commission has consistently maintained in previous instances that it operates within the bounds of the law and remains committed to neutrality and fairness.
The ADC called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend democratic principles, urging citizens to “rise to the occasion and save our democracy.”
The development is expected to further intensify debates around electoral integrity, institutional independence, and the future of Nigeria’s multiparty system as political activities gradually build toward the next election cycle.
