U.S. firm to engage congress, Trump over INEC’s withdrawal of ADC recognition
A U.S.-based policy firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C, has announced plans to formally engage members of the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration over the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership.
INEC had earlier in the week announced that it would discontinue recognition of the ADC leadership and suspend all official engagement with the party pending the outcome of ongoing litigation, raising concerns about the implications for the upcoming presidential election.
In a statement issued yesterday, the firm warned that INEC’s decision has effectively frozen the opposition party at a critical time, potentially limiting its ability to organise and participate fully in the democratic process.
“The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission has withdrawn recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress and suspended all official engagement with the party pending ongoing litigation,” the statement read.
“This action has effectively frozen Nigeria’s main opposition political party at a critical moment as it prepares to compete in the upcoming Nigerian presidential election. The situation could hinder the opposition’s ability to organise and participate fully in the democratic process.”
The firm added that any development that disrupts political participation, creates institutional uncertainty, or undermines the perceived independence of electoral bodies must be addressed with urgency and transparency.
It further noted that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy and a strategic partner to the United States in regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism makes the integrity of its electoral process a matter of global importance.
According to the statement, the firm will present its concerns to members of the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration to ensure that the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria remains on the international agenda.
The firm also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the conduct and outcome of the forthcoming elections are beyond reproach, free from doubt, and fully reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
