ADC Reps Aspirant Ojolowo, Faults INEC Over Derecognition of Mark-Led Leadership

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Ojolowo Tunji Abdullahi, has faulted the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of the party’s leadership led by former Senate President, David Mark.

Ojolowo, an Ilorin-born politician based in the United Kingdom, described the development as a threat to democratic stability, following INEC’s announcement derecognising Mark as ADC National Chairman, alongside the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and other officials.

INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, had hinged its decision on a subsisting court order directing the commission to maintain status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of the party’s leadership.

Reacting in a statement issued on Thursday, Ojolowo popularly known as “Horain” warned that the development underscores the urgent need to safeguard democratic processes and ensure internal party stability.

According to him, “INEC and the APC-led government appear to be taking steps that threaten the very foundation of our democracy.”

He called for caution in handling intra-party disputes, stressing that political developments across parties must be closely monitored as the country prepares for future elections.

Ojolowo further likened the situation to the authoritarian tactics witnessed during the regime of Sani Abacha, urging stakeholders to remain steadfast in upholding democratic values and the rule of law.

He also emphasised the critical role of strong and independent institutions, particularly the judiciary, in resolving political conflicts.

“The courts and the judiciary have been used to thwart democratic processes with frivolous decisions,” he alleged.

The aspirant, who is seeking to represent Ilorin South and Ilorin East Federal Constituency in Kwara State, called on key national bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Nigerian Medical Association, and the Inter-Party Advisory Council, as well as traditional rulers, to rise in defence of democratic governance.

“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians and institutions to speak up and defend our democracy. Silence at this critical moment is not an option,” he said.

Ojolowo concluded by stressing the need to protect citizens’ rights and preserve democratic order.

“Nigerians have resisted similar challenges in the past and will do so again. Freedom of association and the right to choose must be protected for all Nigerians. Enough is enough,” he added.