By Laja Thomas

THE crisis rocking the leadership of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) seems to be getting worse by the day, with INEC’s withdrawal of recognition given to Chief Michael Koleosho as National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy.

This was contained in a statement by INEC National Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Kaugama addressed to Chief Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa, advising Chief Koleosho and Hon. Rasheed Shitta-Bey to revert to the status quo under the leadership of Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa.

According to the statement, “all parties to the dispute are urged to revert to the status quo ante under the leadership of Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa to allow for logical conclusion of the tussle of appeal”.

It would be recalled that INEC, at different times, had recognised, Chief Michael Koleosho and Hon Rasheed Shitta-Bey as National Chairmen of the Alliance for Democracy. The Party had earlier notified INEC, after its National Convention in January 2009 that it has elected Hon Rasheed Shitta-Bey as its National Chairman.

Thereafter, the party sent another notification to INEC, informing that Chief Michael Koleosho was its National Chairman, having obtained a court judgement against Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa.

Hon Shitta-Bey in a statement to INEC described the recognition of Senator Akinfenwa as an error that may further factionalize the party.