Katsina ADC rejects Mark-led NWC derecognition, drag INEC to court

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has pushed back against what it sees as an attempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weaken the party, describing the commission’s interpretation of a recent court judgment as “mischievous and wrong.”

Speaking at a press briefing in Katsina, the party’s state chairman, Malam Lawal Tukur Batagarawa, who also served as Nigeria’s former Minister of Defence, criticised INEC’s actions following the ruling by the Court of Appeal on the party’s internal leadership crisis.

Batagarawa explained that INEC removed the party’s leadership details from its official portal after the judgment, a move he insists was based on a misreading of the court’s decision.

According to him, the ruling did not justify the commission’s action, and he maintained that the party’s recognised leadership remains valid despite the ongoing dispute.

He said the party’s national leadership, in consultation with its legal team, had resolved to challenge INEC’s action in court.

“We are confident that INEC’s interpretation is wrong, and we will seek redress in a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

The ADC chairman, however, said the party would not be distracted by the development, noting that preparations for the 2027 general elections were ongoing.

He added that all scheduled party activities, including ward, local government, and state congresses, as well as the national convention slated for April 14, would proceed as planned.

Batagarawa said the Katsina State chapter of the party had aligned with the national leadership on the matter and would go ahead with preparations for the congresses.

He disclosed that the state leadership would meet on Tuesday to finalise arrangements for the exercise.

Meanwhile, the party expressed concern over rising insecurity in parts of Katsina State and other northern states.

Batagarawa condoled with residents of Matazu, Dankawari, and Sayaya communities in Katsina State over recent attacks by suspected bandits.

He described the killings of security personnel and civilians in the affected areas as “sad and disturbing,” noting that the incidents reflected the worsening security situation in the region.

The ADC called on the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to secure lives and property, stressing that security remains the primary responsibility of government.

He warned that failure to address insecurity could undermine social stability and development, adding that the party was committed to tackling the challenge if given the mandate.

The party also offered prayers for the victims and their families.

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