A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Obi, has criticised the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the party’s ongoing leadership crisis, saying the commission was being used by the government to frustrate the opposition.
Obi said any government that wants progress will support
strong opposition, questioning why individuals who cried over the same
undemocratic approach will continue to use INEC to frustrate the opposition.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, Obi
raised concerns over INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from the party
leadership led by David Mark, suggesting that the move may not be entirely
independent.
“Somebody is pushing this,” he said, hinting at possible
political interference.
INEC had maintained that its action was based on legal
considerations, noting that the matter is subject to judicial determination.
However, Obi questioned the broader implications of the
decision.
“They said they were obeying a court. Well, that is one of
the things that will be decided by a court,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor also defended the decision
to proceed with the planned national convention despite regulatory concerns and
internal disputes.
“We believe that what they are doing is wrong,” he said.
The ADC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership
tussle, with rival factions laying claim to control of the party structure,
raising concerns about internal cohesion.
When asked whether he would attend the convention scheduled
for April 14, Obi signalled support for the process and confidence in its
outcome.
“I will definitely be there,” he stated.
On the possibility of INEC refusing to recognise the
outcome, Obi maintained a cautious stance, suggesting the matter could
ultimately be resolved judicially.
“Let’s see what happens,” he said.
Drawing a historical parallel, he referenced late President
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who intervened positively during a political crisis in
APGA, even though the issue was before a court of law, stressing the importance
of a strong opposition in a functioning democracy.
“If a government wants progress, it will support strong
opposition,” he noted.
The development highlights deepening uncertainty within the
ADC as legal disputes and political manoeuvres continue to shape the party’s
trajectory ahead of future elections.
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