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ADC Welcomes INEC Recognition, Condemns Natasha’s Suspension, Accuses APC of Crippling Opposition In Lagos
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising its leadership under Ralph Okey Nwosu, while condemning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of stifling opposition voices in Lagos State.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, said the recent recognition by INEC had put an end to a long-running leadership crisis within the party, stressing that the commission acted in line with the rule of law.
He explained that INEC’s decision followed the expiration of a court-ordered tenure extension for the former national chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2023, paving the way for a duly constituted national convention that produced new officers.
Nwosu described the recognition as “a victory for democracy and internal party discipline,” adding that it reaffirmed the ADC’s resolve to continue its mission of building strong democratic institutions across Nigeria.
On the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), the ADC condemned attempts by her colleagues in the Senate to muzzle her voice.
Nwosu said: “Senator Natasha has distinguished herself as a courageous legislator, raising issues of national importance, including the welfare of her constituents. Any move to silence her amounts to a deliberate assault on democracy. Lawmakers are elected to speak for the people, not to be persecuted for standing with them.”
He called on the Senate leadership to respect due process and reverse what he termed an “unjust and politically motivated action.”
The ADC chairman also decried what he described as “a deliberate effort by the APC to cripple opposition in Lagos State.”
According to him, security agencies had become tools in the hands of the ruling party, often disrupting opposition gatherings, rallies and community outreaches.
“We are witnessing a dangerous trend where the space for opposition politics is being systematically shut down. Lagos is fast turning into a one-party state, and this is unacceptable in a democracy,” he declared.
Nwosu reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to providing a credible alternative platform for Nigerians, promising to work with like-minded parties, civil society groups and the media to protect democratic freedoms.
“Our democracy can only grow if all voices are heard and respected. The ADC will continue to stand with the people, defend democratic values, and resist any attempt to silence opposition voices across the country,” he said.