ADC Crisis: INEC’s decision an “Ambush,” Nigerians must resist — Afenifere leader

By Dapo Akinrefon

LAGOS — The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged Nigerians to resist what it described as a calculated attempt to sideline opposition parties following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision on the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Reacting to INEC’s refusal to recognise the current executives of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Afenifere leader, Oladipo Olaitan, described the move as an “ambush” capable of disenfranchising party members.

Speaking in an interview, Olaitan argued that the timing of the decision could effectively exclude ADC members from participating in upcoming elections, given the deadlines for party registration and nomination processes.

“This is an ambush. If members are unable to regularise their status within the stipulated timeframe, they risk being shut out of the electoral process entirely,” he said.

He explained that affected members may be unable to join another party without violating electoral laws, while ongoing legal processes could further delay resolution until after registration deadlines.

Olaitan alleged that the development reflects a broader strategy to weaken opposition parties, warning that such actions could undermine democratic participation.

“It is a new tactic to push them out of circulation. Nigerians should not accept it,” he added.