PDP Tackles INEC Over Delisting Of Mark-Led ADC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to derecognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, warning that recent actions by key national institutions are putting Nigeria’s democracy at risk.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of political manipulation targeting opposition parties, alleging that such actions have heightened tensions across the country.

The PDP said INEC’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgment, which led to the delisting of the Mark-led National Working Committee of the ADC, has further inflamed an already tense political climate.

According to the party, the development reflects a broader trend in which national institutions are being deployed in ways that could undermine democratic processes.

“INEC has further heightened the already tense political atmosphere through its latest press statement on the derecognition of the David Mark-led NWC of the ADC,” the statement said.

While acknowledging that legal interpretations may differ, the PDP questioned what it described as INEC’s consistent posture in matters involving political parties, arguing that its decisions often appear to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“It is troubling that INEC’s default interpretation of matters concerning political parties consistently appears to favour the prevailing notion of an uncontested election,” the party stated, warning that such perceptions could erode public trust in the electoral process.

The PDP further alleged that recent monitoring activities by INEC, though within its statutory powers, have raised concerns about possible moves to deregister opposition parties.

“These activities are rumoured to result in the deregistration of opposition political parties—a development that would further injure our democracy,” it said.

Raising broader concerns, the party warned that the increasing involvement of national institutions in political disputes could destabilise the country’s democratic system.

“National institutions have now become the executioners of this ill-conceived plan. No institution is too sacred or too fragile to be deployed,” the statement added.

The opposition party called on INEC and other institutions to resist partisan pressure and act in the interest of the country.

“We hereby passionately appeal to all national institutions, especially INEC, not to yield to partisan pressures or the influence of appointing authorities. They must place the interests of democracy and the country above all else,” the PDP said.

It also urged institutions to learn from history, cautioning that actions taken in moments of political tension could have long-term consequences.

Describing the current period as a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the PDP warned against actions that could overstretch public patience or deepen political divisions.

“No individual or institution should stretch the patience of Nigerians beyond its present bounds. We must adopt a country-first disposition that transcends partisan cleavages,” the statement added.

The party called for restraint and a renewed commitment to democratic principles, warning that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the conduct of its institutions at this crucial time.

End.