The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should view the recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a positive development amid its ongoing leadership crisis.
Wike made the remark during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, following INEC’s move to suspend recognition of all factions within the party.
INEC had earlier removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively.
The commission also declined to recognise Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared the party’s national chairman through legal proceedings.
In its position, INEC announced that it would not acknowledge any faction or monitor party activities such as congresses or conventions until a substantive suit before the Federal High Court is resolved.
Reacting to the development, Wike argued that while INEC could have recognised Bala Gombe as chairman, the commission’s decision to remain neutral should be seen as fair.
“In my own opinion, INEC ought to have recognised Bala Gombe as the ADC national chairman. However, the party should be satisfied that the commission has chosen not to recognise any faction until the matter is settled in court,” he said.
The FCT Minister emphasised that the ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC must be resolved through the judiciary, noting that INEC’s stance helps prevent further confusion and conflict within the party.
The development highlights growing internal tensions within the ADC as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of future elections.
