Allegations of Bribery Rock INEC as ADC Leader Raises Concerns Over Party Leadership Changes

A prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Aisha Yesufu, has accused officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of receiving inducements, including cash payments reportedly reaching $50,000 and allocations of land, to enable changes in the party’s leadership.

Her remarks come in response to INEC’s recent move to withdraw recognition of David Mark as the party’s National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

During an appearance on a television programme, Yesufu suggested that the INEC chairman may have acted under external pressure when making the decision. She also questioned the silence of key anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), over the allegations.

Beyond the specific claims, Yesufu voiced broader concerns about Nigeria’s institutional integrity, criticizing what she described as increasing political interference. She warned that weakening independence within critical bodies—especially the judiciary—could threaten democratic principles.

Emphasizing the sacrifices made to establish democratic governance in Nigeria, she cautioned that a lack of transparency and accountability could allow powerful interests to manipulate institutions for political advantage, particularly against opposition groups.