Former Senator Dino Melaye has launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), fiercely condemning its decision to remove David Mark as the chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Melaye, a prominent chieftain of the ADC, branded INEC's action a “jankara interpretation” of a recent court ruling, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cripple the opposition party.
Melaye Alleges INEC Bias and Political Manipulation
Speaking on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief,” Melaye asserted that INEC's interpretation was designed to destabilize the ADC during critical periods of party registration, congresses, and primary elections. “It’s explicit, it’s clear, but for them to give it a jankara interpretation and to suit their own purpose, knowing fully well that registration is ongoing, congresses are ongoing, and you want to leave us without a leader so that we would not be able to conduct all our congresses and even run primaries for us to produce people who will contest the election,” Melaye stated emphatically.
He further accused INEC of blatant partisanship, claiming the commission acted on a letter from an individual who had already resigned from the party. “INEC as an institution has failed Nigerians and taken sides with a letter written by a man who is no longer a part of the party, who voluntarily resigned on the 17th of May.”
Legal Action and Criminal Allegations Loom
The ADC chieftain confirmed that the party has already initiated legal proceedings against INEC and is preparing to file an additional suit. Melaye revealed the party's intent to pursue criminal charges against INEC officials, alleging “complete disobedience of a court order.”
- Existing Legal Suit: The ADC has already taken legal action against INEC.
- Impending Criminal Suit: The party plans to file a criminal case against INEC officials for alleged “disobedience of a court order.”
APC Accused of Orchestrating Crisis and “Coronation” Agenda
Melaye did not shy away from implicating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the unfolding saga. He claimed the crisis rocking the ADC is an orchestrated plan by the APC, seeing the ADC as a significant opposition threat.
“What happened yesterday was definitely motivated by the ruling party,” Melaye alleged, framing it as “an affront to democracy” and an attack on democratic institutions. He further accused President Tinubu of seeking a “coronation” rather than a democratic election.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants to be coronated. He doesn’t want an election; he just wants to be coronated. He wants us to practise a monarchical system of government—a ‘Kabiyesi’ mentality—where he would just be coronated.”
Melaye reiterated the ADC's resolve, vowing that “the ADC will participate in this election and defeat Tinubu come May 29th,” despite the alleged attempts to stifle their leadership.
Disputed Resignation and Certified Evidence
Central to Melaye's argument is the claim that Nafiu Gombe, whose letter allegedly prompted INEC's action, had already resigned as ADC deputy chairman. Melaye stated he possesses certified copies of Gombe’s resignation letter.
- Resignation Date: Gombe voluntarily signed his resignation on May 17, 2025.
- Party Acceptance: The ADC accepted the resignation and communicated it to INEC.
- INEC Acknowledgment: INEC acknowledged the development with a certified copy dated October 10, 2025.
- Implication: Melaye argues Gombe “was never the deputy national chairman at the time he instituted that case,” having already resigned his appointment.
ADC to Hold World Press Conference
In response to the developments, Melaye announced that the ADC leadership would hold a world press conference at 2 p.m. on Thursday to outline the party's strategies and decisions moving forward.
INEC's Official Stance
Concurrently, INEC issued its own statement, declaring its non-recognition of correspondences from either the David Mark-led or Rafiu Bala factions of the ADC. This decision, signed by Mohammed Kudu, the chairman of Information and Voter Education, follows a review of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.
The commission explicitly stated it would “no longer engage with either faction or monitor their meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of the case before the Federal High Court.” Furthermore, INEC confirmed it would proceed to remove David Mark's name from its official portal, underscoring its stance of neutrality until the legal dispute is fully resolved.