|
Listen to article
|
The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused authorities of targeting former governor Nasir El-Rufai and other opposition figures with sustained political pressure.
Speaking at a news conference, a party chieftain and former Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani-Bello, said the ADC was expressing grave concern over what it described as actions driven by political motives and capable of undermining democratic standards.
The party argued that recent events surrounding El-Rufai are not isolated. According to the ADC, they form part of “a broader strategy to weaken his political influence.”
Read Also: 2027: INEC Plotting To Stop Us From Contesting – ADC Alleges
Among the issues raised were his omission from a ministerial appointment, ongoing proceedings at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the arrest and detention of some of his associates.
The ADC listed individuals it said were affected, including Bashir Saidu, Ja’afar Ibrahim Sani, Jimi A. Lawal, and Aisha Galadima.
It also alleged that key agencies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Department of State Services are being used in ways that suggest selective enforcement.
According to the party, cases of prolonged detention, changes in bail conditions, and legal harassment are indicative of a political agenda rather than legitimate law enforcement.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plotting to stop the party from participating in the 2027 elections.
The allegation was made in a statement issued on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
According to Bolaji, the party is worried about what it described as a developing situation that could prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections.
Read Also: ADC Clears Air On David Mark Resigning As National Chairman
“We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” the statement said.
He explained that the party’s claims are backed by documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s own affidavit.
He stated that the documents show that INEC was formally notified of the ADC National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting held on July 29, 2025, and that officials of the commission were present to monitor the meeting and document its proceedings.
He added that after the meeting, INEC reportedly updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the party’s new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.
“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” Abdullahi said.
He further noted that in an affidavit filed before the court, INEC maintained that internal party affairs are beyond judicial interference and that completed actions cannot be reversed through an injunction.
However, he also disclosed that the commission has now taken a contradictory position by stating that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC until a pending case before the Federal High Court regarding the party’s leadership is resolved.
According to him, this decision could make it impossible for the party to comply with electoral requirements.
He explained that the Electoral Act requires political parties to give a 21-day notice and meet other submission deadlines, noting that INEC has already fixed May 10 as the deadline for submitting relevant documents.
In addition to this, he warned that by refusing to accept correspondence from the party within that same period, the commission is effectively blocking the ADC from meeting the legal requirements.
“In simple terms, INEC is effectively threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the ADC from producing candidates,” he said.
He described the situation as placing the party in an “impossible position” and creating a pathway for what he called “artificial non-compliance” that could later be used as a basis to exclude the ADC from participating in the elections.
The party, therefore, called on INEC to immediately reverse its decision, resume accepting correspondence from the ADC, and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the elections.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has debunked reports alleging that its Interim National Chairman, David Mark, has resigned from his position.
The party described the claims as false and misleading.
