Photo: Aisha Yesufu
By: Daniel Kanu
Political activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, Aisha Yesufu, has alleged that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were bribed to facilitate the removal of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Yesufu made the claims during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, where she also alleged that the INEC chairman was subjected to threats prior to the commission’s action.
Her comments follow recent developments within the ADC, where INEC reportedly recognised changes in the party’s leadership structure, including the removal of former Senate President, David Mark, as national chairman.
According to Yesufu, there are “reports” suggesting that some INEC officials received inducements, including sums allegedly as high as $50,000 and parcels of land, to influence the decision.
She questioned the silence of anti-corruption agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), urging them to investigate the allegations.
“There are reports that INEC officials were allegedly bribed with monies up to $50,000 and lands were given. Where is the EFCC and ICPC in all of this?” she said.
The activist further criticised what she described as growing compromise within key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, warning that such developments pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
She argued that institutions meant to uphold accountability and fairness were increasingly being used as tools of political oppression, particularly against opposition parties.
“Yes, let all parties go to court to resolve disputes, but when institutions and the judiciary are perceived as willing tools against opposition, it becomes a matter of concern for the survival of democracy,” she added.
Yesufu stressed the need for institutional independence, transparency, and accountability, noting that Nigeria’s democracy was hard-won and should not be undermined by political interests.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued an official response to the allegations. Efforts to reach spokespersons of the commission for comments were unsuccessful.
The controversy comes amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over internal party disputes, electoral integrity, and the role of regulatory institutions.
