The dispute between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took on a more political tone in Otukpo, Benue State, on Thursday, as party leaders used the controversy to rally supporters and project strength ahead of 2027.
At the gathering, ADC leaders dismissed INEC’s decision to derecognise the party’s current leadership, framing it as an attempt to weaken opposition voices and tilt the political space in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Former House of Representatives Speaker Pro-temporal, Terngu Tsegba, led the pushback, accusing INEC of acting in alignment with the government. He insisted that the party would not be deterred, saying the ADC remained focused on securing a place on the ballot in 2027 despite what he described as institutional pressure.
He argued that the party’s growing membership was a clear signal of shifting political sentiment across the country, adding that such growth may have triggered unease among political actors in power.
The atmosphere in Otukpo was less of a protest and more of a show of strength, with party loyalists insisting that internal disagreements and external pressures would not derail their plans. Leaders repeatedly emphasized unity, urging members to deepen grassroots mobilization in preparation for upcoming congresses.
The wife of the party’s National Chairman, Chief (Mrs) Helen Onma Mark, reinforced that message, assuring supporters that the leadership was actively responding to the situation at the national level. She urged members not to lose focus, stressing that the party’s structure remained intact.
Governorship aspirants Dr. Peter Adejo and Joseph Waya echoed similar sentiments, describing the unfolding developments as politically motivated, while urging members to remain committed to the party’s long-term goals.
Other aspirants and party figures used the platform to reassure supporters that their ambitions and preparations for 2027 remain unaffected. They pledged continued engagement across communities, positioning the ADC as a growing force with expanding reach.
Former lawmaker Samson Okwu downplayed INEC’s move, calling it a temporary distraction that would not diminish the party’s influence. He encouraged members to stay focused, describing the ADC’s trajectory as upward despite current tensions.
Senatorial hopeful David Olofu, in a more cautionary tone, warned against actions that could undermine democratic processes, stressing that Nigerians expect fairness and transparency from all institutions.
Amid the political messaging, the party reiterated that Senator David Mark remains its recognized national chairman, while raising concerns about the implications of INEC’s position on electoral neutrality.
The Otukpo rally ultimately served as both a rebuttal to INEC’s decision and a demonstration of internal cohesion, with the ADC projecting confidence and determination as it positions itself for the road to 2027.
ADC turns INEC row into rallying cry, builds momentum in Otukpo
