A public affairs analyst, Mahmud Jega, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tread carefully amid the deepening leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that its actions could erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking on a television programme, Jega alleged that the trouble within the opposition party appears to be orchestrated, aimed at weakening opposition forces. According to him, INEC’s handling of the situation risks creating the impression that it is complicit in efforts to destabilise opposition parties across the country.
The crisis within the ADC intensified following the derecognition of former Senate President, David Mark, as the party’s national chairman, alongside the national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola. The development has further deepened factional divisions within the party.
Jega argued that the opposition had previously sought to register another platform but faced delays from INEC, forcing a shift to the ADC, which is now embroiled in internal conflict. He warned that such developments could weaken democratic competition if not handled transparently.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised the faction loyal to David Mark, accusing it of resorting to emotional appeals rather than addressing the legal issues at the heart of the dispute. In a post shared online, Keyamo stated that the faction was responsible for its current predicament and urged it to either pursue legal redress, seek political compromise, or explore alternative political options.
The unfolding dispute has continued to draw national attention, with political observers warning that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for opposition politics and electoral credibility in Nigeria ahead of future elections.
