Calls for INEC to Remain Focused Amid ADC Turmoil
Lino Omokri, a former presidential aide and Nigeria’s designated ambassador to Mexico, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard what he describes as “anti-democratic elements” and not be swayed by internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a recent post on his X account, Omokri criticized a faction of the ADC, allegedly led by David Mark, asserting that their activities are irrelevant to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Omokri emphasized, “INEC should not lose sleep over disgruntled career coup plotters and anti-democratic elements.” He highlighted the irony in Mark’s political assertions, referencing past threats made against Chief MKO Abiola, which underscore a fraught political legacy.
In a historical context, Omokri recalled that both Mark and former military dictator Sani Abacha were reportedly involved in the coup that displaced then-Interim President Ernest Shonekan on November 17, 1993.
Critical of the faction’s intentions to petition foreign governments against INEC, Omokri dismissed this approach as futile. He stated, “Reporting INEC to a foreign government, as announced by the David Mark faction, is a wasted effort. Nigeria is a sovereign nation, not governed by foreign influence.”
He stressed that INEC’s loyalty must remain firmly tied to the Nigerian Constitution. “The commission should not concern itself with the interests of disaffected former coup plotters,” he noted.
Omokri further advised discontented factions to pursue legal avenues instead of seeking external intervention. He encouraged Mark and his allies to engage with the courts to resolve their internal conflicts, pointing out that the Court of Appeal has already granted them an early hearing to present their case.
Questioning their hesitation toward a legal resolution, he articulated a concern, asking, “Why are they afraid of the courts?”
This controversy arises amid a leadership struggle within the ADC, as several factions vie for control of the party’s structure. INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing only those party leaderships that are formed in compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and regulations. Currently, the faction purportedly led by David Mark remains unacknowledged due to ongoing internal disputes.
