Nigerians urged to resist alleged plot to sideline opposition parties — Afenifere leader

Afenifere leader, Oladipo Olaitan
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on Nigerians to resist what it described as a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Reacting to INEC’s refusal to recognise the current leadership of the ADC, Afenifere leader, Oladipo Olaitan, characterised the action as an “ambush” that could disenfranchise members of the party.
Speaking during an interview, Olaitan noted that the timing of the decision may effectively prevent ADC members from participating in upcoming elections, considering the deadlines for party registration and nomination.
“This is an ambush. If members are unable to regularise their status within the stipulated timeframe, they risk being completely excluded from the electoral process,” he said.
He further explained that those affected might find it difficult to defect to other political parties without breaching electoral regulations, while ongoing legal battles could delay any resolution until after critical deadlines have passed.
Olaitan also alleged that the situation points to a broader plan to weaken opposition parties, warning that such moves could erode democratic participation.
“It is a new tactic to push them out of circulation. Nigerians should not accept it,” he added.