The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Sen. David Mark, has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal ruling in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral body of yielding to political pressure. He alleged that INEC’s position was influenced by a government unsettled by the ADC’s growing influence, despite what he described as sustained efforts to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum, even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties,” the statement read.

Mr. Abdullahi further described INEC’s statement as inconsistent, arguing that it contradicts both facts and logic.

“INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.

He added that the party was reviewing its options and would communicate its next steps in due course. He also urged party members and supporters to remain calm and resolute as the situation unfolds, expressing confidence in the party’s future.

“Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” Mr. Abdullahi added.

INEC had earlier on Wednesday announced that it would cease to accept correspondence from either the David Mark-led ADC faction or that led by Mr. Rafiu Bala, following a review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Mr. Mohammed Kudu, the commission said it would no longer engage with either faction, nor monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions of the two groups, until the matter before the Federal High Court is decided.

The commission further announced that it would remove the name of Sen. David Mark from its portal.

Mr. Rafiu Bala, who was the Vice Chairman of the ADC before the David Mark-led caretaker committee assumed control of the party, had approached the court to challenge the emergence of Sen. Mark and his colleagues into the party’s National Working Committee.