The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the party’s internal leadership dispute, describing the commission’s interpretation of a recent court ruling as “mischievous and wrong.”
Speaking during a press briefing in the state capital, the party’s State Chairman, Lawal Tukur Batagarawa, accused INEC of misinterpreting the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which he said had maintained the status quo in the leadership tussle.
Batagarawa noted that the commission removed the party’s leadership details from its portal following the ruling, a move he described as unjustified and misleading.
He explained that the party’s national leadership, in consultation with its legal team, had reviewed the development and resolved to challenge INEC’s position in a competent court of law.
Despite the controversy, Batagarawa stressed that the situation would not derail the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections. He confirmed that all scheduled activities, including ward, local government, and state congresses, as well as the national convention slated for April 14, 2026, would proceed as planned.
“In the last one week, we have seen INEC remove the leadership of ADC from its portal, claiming it followed the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The court maintained the status quo in the leadership dispute precipitated by Nafiu Bala Gombe, but INEC deliberately interpreted this to mean suspending the entire leadership structure of the ADC. This is a shame,” he said.
He further stated that the Katsina chapter remains fully aligned with the party’s national leadership and will continue preparations for upcoming congresses. According to him, a state leadership meeting is scheduled to finalise arrangements ahead of the national convention.
Batagarawa also accused INEC of creating “mischief and doubt” through its actions, insisting that the party remains focused on its political agenda.
“All states, local governments, wards, polling units, and the national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026, will go ahead as arranged,” he added.
He concluded by commending the party’s national leadership for taking decisive steps and reaffirmed the Katsina chapter’s commitment to following directives as preparations continue.
What you should know
The ADC in Katsina State has strongly criticised INEC over its interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.
Despite the controversy, the party insists it will proceed with all planned activities, including its national convention and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The issue highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and electoral authorities, raising concerns about internal party stability and the broader electoral process in Nigeria.
