‘Leave INEC Out Of Your Woes, Resolve Internal Crisis’, NCYC Warns ADC

The Northern Consultative Youth Council (NCYC) has warned the factional leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to stop dragging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into the party’s internal crisis, saying the opposition party should instead focus on resolving its lingering leadership dispute.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by the group’ spokesman, Mallam Ashiru Abu, said INEC’s decision to stop accepting correspondences from both the David Mark-led faction and the Rafiu Bala faction of the ADC was a sign that the party’s internal wrangling had worsened and was beginning to damage its credibility as a political platform.

The Council also faulted the allegation made by the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, that INEC acted under external pressure, describing the claim as baseless and dangerous to democratic institutions.

“Dragging INEC into partisan controversies only weakens public confidence in the electoral process,” the statement said.

It added, “Political parties must take responsibility for managing their internal affairs in line with the law.”

The Council said it was reacting to INEC’s recent position after the electoral body reviewed the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.

According to the NCYC, “The attempt by factions within the ADC to politicise the decision of INEC is both unnecessary and counterproductive.”

It added, “The electoral body has acted within its constitutional mandate, and it is not its responsibility to resolve intra-party disputes.”

The group said rather than blaming INEC or making allegations against the commission, the ADC should “prioritize internal reconciliation and respect for due process.”

The NCYC urged all stakeholders in the ADC to embrace dialogue, obey the law, and work toward a unified leadership capable of effectively representing the interests of party members and supporters.

While reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the Council stressed that institutions such as INEC must be protected from what it described as “undue political attacks.”

“Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when political actors act responsibly and within the bounds of the law,” the statement added.