In a recent post on Channels tv,.Senator Victor Umeh has responded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its position in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that a political party cannot exist without a recognized leadership at any given time.
Speaking during a televised interview, the senator addressed the controversy surrounding a court directive that parties should maintain status quo ante bellum, which refers to the condition of affairs before the dispute was brought before the court.
The directive has been interpreted differently by the factions involved in the crisis.
INEC, which is also a party in the case, indicated that it would not take further steps until the court reaches a final decision on the matter.
The commission stated that it would recognize whoever emerges from the judicial process.
Reacting to this position, Umeh said there cannot be a vacuum in the leadership of a political party. According to him, one leadership structure must be in place at all times.
He noted that before the legal action began, certain individuals had already assumed leadership roles following internal party processes.
Umeh stated that INEC had monitored a meeting where the party’s leadership structure was established, and therefore had knowledge of the outcome prior to the dispute.
He maintained that this context should be considered when interpreting the court’s directive.
The ADC leadership crisis involves multiple factions, each claiming legitimacy based on events that took place before the case was filed in court.
The disagreement has centered on who was in charge at the time the legal proceedings commenced.
During the interview, Umeh also referenced his past experience as a former national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), noting that he had encountered a similar situation involving disputes over party leadership.
The matter remains before the court, where proceedings are ongoing. INEC has maintained that it will abide by the final outcome once a decision is reached.
The guardian
