Derecognition of ADC leaders influenced by Jagaban — Nwosu + Video

Ralph Nwosu, former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to derecognise the party’s current leadership is a result of influence from President Bola Tinubu, often referred to as “Jagaban”.

The former National Chairman of the party made the claim during an interview he was granted on Channels Television.

His remarks came as a reaction to the commission’s removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party, respectively.

Recall that INEC recently removed the names of David Mark (National Chairman) and Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary) from its official portal.

INEC stated this was done to maintain the status quo ante bellum following a Court of Appeal order related to an internal leadership dispute.

However, Nwosu disagreed with the commission’s interpretation of the ruling.

“The INEC interpretation is wrong, what the Appeal Court did is wrong and they’re all inspired by the Jagaban of Nigerian politics,” he said.

He further alleged bias on the part of the electoral body’s leadership, claiming that the INEC chairman is aligned with the ruling party.

“And now, it’s clear that Amupitan is an APC member and the Jagaban of Nigeria seems to have collapsed some agencies and judges to sing the song of APC,” Nwosu added.

The former party chairman linked the development to what he described as a broader pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Since 2019, once individual seizes the politics of Lagos despite the diversity of the city and continuously collapsed other parties to sing the APC song.

“When he became the president, he imagined he can do the same thing as far as Nigeria is concerned, and that is what Nigerians are resisting.,” he said.

He maintained that the ADC remains a platform for opposition and democratic resistance.

“It’s not about me, not about ADC. We have provided Nigerians a clear vehicle to be able to resist this monstrous force,” Nwosu stated.

Nwosu’s comment followed the #OccupyINEC protest led by ADC leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja on Wednesday.

The coalition leaders stormed INEC Headquarters to demand the resignation of Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman.

They accused him of partisanship and constitutional breaches, adding that his actions threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.