A Legal Practitioner based in Awka, Anambra State, Barrister CJ Okoli-Akirika, Esq says the derecognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark is an unprecedented travesty of due process, rule of law and Common sense.
Barrister CJ Okoli-Akirika said that INEC should based its decision on the relevant status quo as at the time the law suit was filled on the 22nd of September 2025 of which Senator David Mark led executive constituted the legitimate leadership of the ADC.
He argued that the status quo the law says INEC could observe is that which was existing pending the filling of the suit and not a status quo pursuant to the claims contained in the suit.
Akirika, a former Anambra State Commissioner for Lands and immediate past State Secretary of Labour Party (LP), while condemning the INEC posiition on the matter, said whatever it is set to achieve with such decision is a serious threat to the nation’s democracy.
The legal luminary therefore called on INEC to adopt a peaceful approach and conduct the 2027 general elections in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act rather than trying to push people into having an inescapable resort to the option of violence.
He called on Nigerians not to be intimidated or dampened by the development but rather rise up and ensure that the proper thing is done instead of allowing the electoral umpire to take the country for a ride.
“Notwithstanding what INEC have done so far, is now the duty of every Nigerian to be perpetually and reasonably vigilante to ensure that election is conducted in accordance with the letters as written on the constitution. INEC cannot claim to observe a status quo and turn around to observe a status quo contingent upon the claims of a party”
“Funny enough the person directing the affairs of INEC is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who ought to know that the Commission cannot by its own regulations purported to deviate from the provisions of substantive Electoral Act. That very act alone is a clear manifestation that INEC is mindful to shortchange not just the law but Nigerians, ” Akirika Concluded.
