The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over the deployment of security operatives and armoured vehicles to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

Reacting to the development on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, questioned the government’s priorities, particularly in relation to security challenges in parts of the country.

“This government did not deploy armoured tanks to protect the people of Plateau State earlier this week. They did not deploy them to confront the bandits that they call ‘prodigal sons’ and ‘brothers.’ But they deployed tanks at INEC headquarters in Abuja this morning, to protect themselves from peaceful everyday Nigerians. Show me your priorities, and I will show you who you are,” Abdullahi wrote in a post on X.

The criticism comes amid heightened tensions following INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership linked to Senator David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Meanwhile, the ADC has said it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the commission’s stance on the party’s leadership dispute.

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Abdullahi maintained that the party had fulfilled all procedural requirements ahead of the planned activities.

“We have already given INEC the required 21-day notice for our congresses and national convention, and the process will continue regardless of whether the commission participates or not,” he said. (Vanguard)