The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has accused the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of allegedly orchestrating a crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to weaken opposition forces ahead of future elections.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition in Osogbo on Thursday, Comrade Yaya Ademola alleged that recent developments within the ADC were deliberately engineered through the manipulation of INEC and the misuse of court rulings to remove the party’s lawful leadership.
According to him, the alleged interference forms part of a broader plan to suppress opposition parties and create an easier path for the ruling party in future elections.
“We are here because democracy is under vicious assault and in grave danger in our land today,” Ademola said.
He alleged that several actions undermining the rule of law, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and civil liberties had occurred under the current administration, culminating in what he described as the manipulation of INEC to remove the recognised leadership of the ADC.
“A long list of atrocious acts against the rule of law, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), freedom of speech and association, and civil liberty — all perpetrated under the presidency of Tinubu — has recently been capped with the clear manipulation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is hiding behind a court judgment to remove the lawful leadership of the African Democratic Congress, one of the few viable opposition parties left in Nigeria,” he said.
Ademola stated that during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, decisions taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) were ratified in line with the ADC constitution.
He added that INEC officials and Nafiu Bala Gombe were present at the meeting and did not raise objections to the resolutions adopted at the time.
“Both officials of INEC and Nafiu Bala Gombe were present at the meetings, and at no time did he raise any objection to the decisions reached and resolutions made,” he said.
Ademola, however, alleged that Gombe later reversed his position after meeting with some government officials, an action he claimed triggered the ongoing crisis within the party.
According to him, the coalition believes the dispute was deliberately orchestrated to weaken the ADC as a credible opposition platform.
“The orchestrated crisis in ADC was deliberately caused to sabotage the party as a virile opposition,” he said.
He further alleged that the various litigations instituted by individuals such as Nafiu Bala Gombe, Dumebi Kachikwu, Hon. Leke Abejide, and the Association of Former Federal Legislators were part of coordinated efforts to neutralise the party and pave the way for what he described as a “no-contest election.”
The coalition also criticised INEC’s intervention in the matter, describing it as evidence of undue interference by the government and its institutions.
“The intervention by INEC on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, fully exposed the role of the state, its organs, and regrettably, the electoral umpire itself,” Ademola said.
He insisted that the coalition would continue to advocate for a level playing field for all political parties in Nigeria.
“All the shenanigans being displayed by INEC, allegedly orchestrated by the ruling party and the government, cannot stand,” he said.
Ademola added that the civil society groups remain committed to defending democratic principles, including free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.
He warned that any attempt to undermine opposition parties or weaken democratic institutions would be resisted.
“We remain resolute in our demand for a level playing ground for all political parties and for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria,” he said.