The African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark has rejected 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 Wednesday evening, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the electoral body of succumbing to political pressure. He alleged that the government, unsettled by the party’s growing influence, influenced INEC’s decision, despite ongoing efforts to weaken opposition parties and impose a de facto one-party system.

“We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. It is clear that the commission has been pressured by a government unsettled by the ADC’s rising momentum, even amid its sustained attacks on opposition parties,” the statement read.

Abdullahi further described INEC’s statement as inconsistent and contradictory, saying it defied both facts and logic. “INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We will clarify these contradictions publicly. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and sided with the government against the Nigerian people,” he said.

The party added that it is reviewing its options and will communicate its next steps in due course. Abdullahi also urged party members and supporters to remain calm, expressing confidence in the ADC’s future. “Nigeria is rising, ADC is rising,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, INEC announced that it would cease accepting correspondences from either the David Mark-led faction or that of Rafiu Bala, following its review of the March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.

A statement signed by the Commission’s Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Kudu, noted that INEC would no longer engage with either faction or monitor any meetings, congresses, or conventions until the matter is resolved at the Federal High Court. The commission also stated that David Mark’s name would be removed from its official portal.

The leadership dispute stems from the emergence of the David Mark-led caretaker committee, which took control of the ADC after Rafiu Bala, the party’s former vice chairman, challenged the leadership in court.