Aisha Yesufu alleges INEC officials took $50k bribes to remove ADC leadership
Political activist Aisha Yesufu has alleged that INEC officials were bribed to remove the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party. Speaking on Arise Television's 'Prime Time' programme on Monday, Yesufu claimed officials received up to $50,000 and land allocations in exchange for actions against the party. She also said the INEC Chairman was reportedly threatened into compliance.
Yesufu referenced INEC's recent removal of former Senate President David Mark as ADC national chairman. She questioned why anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC have not investigated these alleged financial inducements. The activist argued that Nigeria's judiciary has become "a plate of corrupt politicians" and institutions are no longer independent.
Her statements raise serious concerns about electoral integrity less than two years before the 2027 general elections. If true, these allegations suggest systematic manipulation of party leadership that could undermine voter choice and democratic processes. Yesufu warned that democracy—which many died to establish—is being destroyed by those "hang[ing] on to power they are not deserving of."
With opposition parties already fearing INEC bias, these allegations intensify suspicions about the electoral body's independence. Should Nigerians demand an independent investigation into these claims? How can public trust in electoral institutions be restored when key players appear compromised?