Former Senator Melaye Slams INEC Over ADC Leadership Removal
Dino Melaye has condemned INEC's decision to discontinue recognition of David Mark as ADC chairman, calling it a "jankara interpretation" of a Court of Appeal ruling from March 12. The electoral commission stated it will no longer engage with either the David Mark-led or Rafiu Bala faction of the ADC pending Federal High Court determination.
The former Senator told Channels Television this move blocks the opposition party from conducting congresses and primaries during active registration periods. He claims INEC relied on a letter from Nafiu Gombe, who allegedly resigned as deputy chairman on May 17, 2025—a resignation Melaye says INEC acknowledged on October 10, 2025. "We have duly certified copies," he asserted, threatening criminal charges against INEC officials for "complete disobedience of a court order."
ADC plans additional lawsuits and will hold a world press conference at 2 p.m. Thursday to outline strategies. Melaye linked the action to APC's desperation, alleging President Tinubu "wants to be coronated" rather than face fair elections. He framed ADC as Nigeria's last viable opposition, calling this "an affront to democracy."
With election timelines tight, ADC faces existential threat if it cannot legally organize. The Federal High Court's ruling will determine whether INEC's interpretation stands or if ADC retains operational capacity.
Does this represent proper enforcement of court orders, or a partisan weaponization of electoral oversight threatening multiparty democracy?