By Luminous Jannamike

The Southwest leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken opposition parties, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.

The party said the dispute over the recognition of its National Working Committee is not just an internal issue, but one that raises serious concerns about political interference, the independence of INEC, and whether opposition parties can operate freely as the country heads towards another election cycle.

The position was contained in a statement by Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, Southwest Chairman of the ADC, who spoke on behalf of the party’s regional leadership.

“No democracy can survive without a viable and sustainable opposition,” Owokoniran said.

He said the process that produced the party’s National Working Committee, led by former Senate President, Senator David Mark, followed due process and was supervised by INEC.

“It is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that the process that gave birth to the Distinguished Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee passed through well-defined procedures in accordance with the Electoral Act, the party’s constitution, and INEC guidelines, supervision and coordination,” he said.

Owokoniran also said INEC had earlier supported the same leadership in court, making its current position confusing.

“The big question is what has suddenly changed?” he asked.

He criticised how a court order to maintain the status quo ante bellum was interpreted, saying its meaning was clear.

“The pronouncement of the court regarding maintenance of status quo ante bellum is well explicit even to a non-legal person but was nefariously interpreted to suit the purpose of his employer,” he said.

The ADC leader also faulted comments by some APC figures, including remarks on live television, statements by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, and positions taken by the Lagos State chapter of the party, describing them as provocative.

“It has never happened in the history of Nigeria, seeing a ruling party exhibit great fear for election and intolerance for opposition parties,” he said.

He added that the party had been working with INEC since its leadership emerged, noting that the commission monitored the process and was informed about its congresses and national convention.

“Suddenly, the commission came up with the most strange news of derecognising the National Working Committee of the party, all aimed at stopping us from contesting against the ruling party APC,” he said.

Owokoniran said the Southwest ADC is joining other Nigerians at home and abroad to call for restraint.

“They should stop undermining our democracy. They should not throw Nigeria into anarchy. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians. Nigerian people should be given the right and freedom to political association as well as choice of leaders,” he warned.