A political analyst, O’diakpor Obire, has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the party’s challenges stem from internal leadership disputes rather than external interference.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Obire said the controversy surrounding INEC’s decision to delist some ADC officials is rooted in unresolved factional conflicts within the party.
“This is basically and strictly an internal crisis of the political party,” he said.
He explained that INEC’s position is constrained by ongoing legal proceedings, making it impossible for the commission to recognize any faction until the courts reach a final decision.
“INEC… is in a situation where it cannot take sides… the only decision INEC can take right now is a decision taken by the court,” he stated.
Obire urged ADC leaders to focus on reconciliation rather than directing blame at external institutions or political opponents.
“They should channel this energy into seeing how they can reconcile their internal crisis than blaming… INEC,” he said.
According to him, the leadership dispute dates back to the emergence of a new faction within the party, which has since led to legal battles and institutional uncertainty.
“The problem originated from when the new leadership emerged,” he noted.
He further emphasized that political parties must present a united front to remain credible ahead of elections, warning that unresolved divisions could undermine ADC’s chances in the 2027 polls.
“It is not going to look good for them if they don’t take the right step now,” he said.
Responding to claims that INEC may be biased or influenced by the ruling party, Obire rejected such assertions, describing them as unsubstantiated. “It’s not a fact… they only accused INEC of being influenced… leaving the actual issue,” he said.
He added that criticisms of INEC are common across administrations, noting that the electoral body is often blamed regardless of which party is in power.
“There is no election that INEC has not been blamed,” he remarked.
On the planned ADC convention, Obire warned that any gathering held without a recognized leadership structure may lack legitimacy.
“As it is… there’s no leadership… so how will a convention be recognized by INEC?” he queried.
He cautioned that proceeding without resolving internal disputes could render the convention invalid in the eyes of the electoral body.
“If they go ahead… that convention will be void,” he stressed.
Obire concluded by reiterating that the path forward for ADC lies in internal dialogue and unity, rather than external accusations.
“They need to sit down and address this issue internally,” he said.
As tensions continue within the ADC and ahead of the 2027 elections, Obire’s remarks highlight the importance of internal cohesion, suggesting that unresolved disputes may pose a greater threat to the party than external political pressures.
Triumph Ojo
