The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says a court ruling that knocked down parts of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable will spark mass defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday voided INEC’s strict timetable on political party primaries, among other provisions. The ADC welcomed the decision in a statement by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi.
“The decision of the court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position,” the party said.
The ADC said the ruling removed the impediment the guidelines placed on politicians who want to seek other platforms, calling it a boost for freedom of association. Party officials suggested the move will loosen the gates for dissatisfied APC members.
“We believed at the time that that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC. Now that the court has ruled against it, we are sure that, in the coming days, we will witness a mass exodus from the ruling party.”
The ADC also said the judgment vindicated its earlier objections to key parts of INEC’s guidelines and recalled its specific objections to the strict timelines on part membership registration.
