A former Kogi West Senator and prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dino Melaye, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of acting as an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging bias in its handling of electoral matters.
In a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Melaye criticised INEC for what he described as a misinterpretation of a recent court order, claiming the commission’s conduct has damaged public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. He called for decisive action against those he believes are responsible, urging either their removal or resignation.
“We expect the president to either sack them or for them to resign themselves,” Melaye said. “INEC has misinterpreted the court’s order, shown partiality, and demonstrated that they are now a department of the APC. We have lost confidence in them.”
The remarks follow a protest by ADC leaders at INEC headquarters, led by factional Interim National Chairman David Mark and joined by high-profile figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The protest centred on INEC’s decision to delist the ADC from the register of political parties, a move the party contests as politically motivated.
The controversy underscores growing tensions between opposition parties and INEC, with accusations of partisanship threatening to undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral management body ahead of future elections.
