Isaac Samuel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking steps that could prevent the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The opposition party called on the Commission to immediately reverse its position, resume acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the ADC, and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the situation arose from INEC’s decision to suspend acceptance of correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a suit before the Federal High Court.
The party argued that although the Commission’s stance may appear procedural, it creates a direct conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act, which prescribe strict timelines for political parties to meet key electoral requirements, including the mandatory 21-day notice period.
ADC said documentary evidence in its possession, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s sworn affidavit, showed that INEC had previously recognised its leadership.
According to the statement, INEC received formal notice of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, deployed officials to monitor the exercise, and documented its proceedings.
It added that the Commission subsequently updated its records and uploaded the names of the new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims but facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the party stated.
The ADC further noted that INEC, in a sworn affidavit filed before the Federal High Court in response to a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe on September 12, 2025, affirmed that the leadership transition had been completed and recognised, while maintaining that internal party matters are not subject to judicial interference.
Despite this, the party expressed concern that INEC had now taken a position that contradicts its earlier stance by refusing to receive further correspondence from it.
ADC warned that the Commission’s action could make it impossible for the party to comply with statutory deadlines, including INEC’s May 10 cut-off date for submission of relevant documents.
“In effect, INEC is placing the party in a situation where, unless the court delivers judgment on the leadership dispute before May 10, it may be unable to field candidates,” the statement added.
The party described the development as a “dangerous contradiction,” warning that it could create grounds for what it termed “artificial non-compliance,” which could be used to justify excluding the ADC from the 2027 elections.
It also faulted INEC’s claim that its decision was intended to protect the integrity of ongoing court proceedings, arguing that the move could instead undermine the judicial process.
The ADC urged the Commission to reverse its position without delay and ensure fairness in the electoral process.
It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to undermine the country’s democracy.
