Following the decision of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a United States-based policy firm, Von Batten-Montague York L.C., has vowed to report Nigeria’s electoral developments to the President Donald Trump and members of Congress.
The firm stressed that at a time when Nigerians expect free, fair, and credible elections, any development that disrupts political participation, creates institutional uncertainty, or undermines the perceived independence of electoral bodies must be addressed with urgency and transparency.
This comes amid rising political tension ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with concerns mounting over the participation of opposition parties in the electoral process.
INEC recently withdrew recognition of the ADC leadership and halted all official dealings with the party, saying that its decision would remain in place pending the outcome of ongoing court cases with regards to the party’s internal leadership dispute.
A statement on Friday, the U.S. policy firm raised concerns over the implications of INEC’s action on Nigeria’s democracy.
It stated; “The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission has withdrawn recognition of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress and suspended all official engagement with the party pending ongoing litigation.
“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 firm therefore warned that such a situation could weaken political competition and limit the ability of opposition groups to organise effectively, just as it seriously expressed concern over the timing of the decision, stressing that Nigerians are expecting credible and transparent elections.
It highlighted Nigeria’s strategic importance on the global stage, emphasising that developments in Nigeria’s electoral process have wider implications beyond its borders.
It further said; “Nigeria is not only Africa’s largest democracy, but also a critical strategic partner of the United States in regional security, economic stability, and counterterrorism. “The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is therefore of direct importance to U.S. interests and global stability”.
The firm assured that it will formally engage U.S. lawmakers and the Trump camp in Washington to ensure sustained international attention on Nigeria’s democratic process to ensure that the importance of free, fair, and transparent democratic processes in Nigeria remains firmly on the international agenda.
It also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the forthcoming elections meet global standards.
“We call on H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the conduct and outcome of the upcoming elections are beyond reproach, free from doubt, and fully reflective of the will of the Nigerian people,” the firm said.
