By Nefishetu Yakubu
African Democratic Congress (ADC) on
Wednesday in Abuja staged a peaceful protest over the derecognition of the Sen. David Mark leadership by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest began from Maitama Roundabout to INEC
headquarters in the FCT.
NAN also reports that the protest, led by Mark, the party’s National Chairman, also former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal and Dino Melaye.
Speaking during the protest, Mark said that the interpretation of court judgments was the exclusive preserve of the judiciary, and not that of the INEC chairman.
He said that attempting to assume the role of the judiciary amounted to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.
“INEC’s earlier correspondence to ADC reinforces the perception that the commission has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests.
“This is not only improper, it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system, ” he said.
Mark said it was on record that the individual in question attended the NEC meeting of ADC, where the NWC, led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, and of which Nafiu Bala was a member, was dissolved.
“Having participated in that decision, any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory and devoid of legal credibility,” he said.
In a protest letter signed by Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and submitted to INEC during the protest, ADC demanded
immediate resignation of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
The party also demanded the immediate withdrawal of INEC’s “offensive correspondence” to ADC and a formal apology to the party.
The protesters called for a clear commitment by INEC to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.
ADC said it would activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action if INEC failed to comply with its demands.
NAN reports that a faction of the party, led by Nafiu Bala, had engaged the Mark faction in a legal battle over the control of the party.
NAN also reports that INEC had suspended the recognition of the two factions, following a Court of Appeal ruling and the ongoing litigation at a Federal High Court over the party’s leadership.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NY/BEN/WAS
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/’Wale Sadeeq
