Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a “professional group of jumpers” and insisting the party should accept responsibility for its deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Omokri specifically faulted the faction of the party led by David Mark, saying it was responsible for the current crisis and should not shift blame to others.
In a statement titled “INEC De-registration: ADC Professional Party Jumpers Have Only Themselves to Blame,” Omokri said he expected the group to clearly explain its interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12, 2026, but was disappointed by its response.
“I read the statement from the spokesperson of the David Mark group in the African Democratic Congress who rejected how INEC interpreted the March 12, 2026, Court of Appeal ruling, and I was expecting them to share their own understanding of that judgment.
“But nothing came up, which doesn’t make sense. The David Mark group from the ADC clearly caused this disaster on their own,” he said.
He advised the faction to abide by the court’s decision if it intends to challenge the ruling, stressing that respect for the law is essential.
“If they chose to appeal the decision, the David Mark group should follow the Court of Appeals’ ruling, since they are supposed to obey the law,” he added.
Omokri also warned against attempts to incite public sentiment against INEC, describing such actions as dangerous.
“Trying to stir up public anger against INEC and weaken the election authorities is a risky and desperate action by the David Mark group,” he said.
He further argued that the party’s challenges were predictable, attributing them to what he described as politically motivated interests rather than democratic ideals.
“Their shift into the ADC was driven by business interests rather than by a natural sense of democracy,” he stated.
Omokri dismissed claims that INEC was being controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress, urging the faction to take responsibility for its decisions.
“Instead of blaming INEC or accusing the All Progressives Congress of controlling the INEC through tele guidance, the David Mark group from the ADC should understand that they bought a faulty product.
“They should either fix the problems with what they bought or find a different political party. With elections just ten months away, I don’t think they have enough time to start a new party from scratch,” he said.
