US firm to lobby Congress, Trump admin over INEC's ADC suspension
A US-based policy firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., says it will formally engage the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration regarding INEC's decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership and suspend official dealings with the party. INEC took this action earlier this week, citing ongoing litigation, effectively freezing a major opposition party ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The firm warns this move could severely hinder political participation and organizational capacity for the opposition during a critical preparatory period. It argues that such developments undermine confidence in the electoral system's independence and transparency at a time when Nigerians expect credible elections. Highlighting Nigeria's strategic importance as Africa's largest democracy and a key U.S. partner on security and economic issues, the firm stresses that electoral integrity has broader international significance.
INEC's action has sparked internal political tensions, with various stakeholders accusing the commission of misinterpretation or engineering the crisis. The firm's planned lobbying aims to ensure global attention on Nigeria's democratic processes. The statement also calls on President Bola Tinubu to guarantee that the next elections are transparent and reflect the electorate's will.
This external intervention raises questions about the balance between respecting legal processes and ensuring a level playing field for all political parties in Nigeria's electoral system.