The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared it will go ahead with its planned congresses and national convention despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) refusal to recognise factions within the party’s leadership.
Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party had fulfilled all legal requirements, including issuing INEC the mandatory 21-day notice.
“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice. They have accepted the notice. So whether they come or not, we’ll continue with our congresses. And we will go on with our convention,” he said.
INEC had earlier stated that it would no longer recognise the factions led by former Senate President David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following its interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.
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Reacting to the development, Abdullahi accused the electoral body of acting under pressure from the federal government. He alleged that there were deliberate moves to weaken opposition parties and influence the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“INEC has been intimidated and has succumbed to that pressure. They are determined to coronate President Bola Tinubu,” Abdullahi claimed.
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He further criticised INEC’s proposed voter revalidation exercise, describing it as ill-timed and potentially disruptive.
“Getting people to register to vote is already difficult. Asking every voter to return to polling units to revalidate their cards months before an election is unnecessary and chaotic,” he said.
Abdullahi warned that such measures could create confusion in the electoral process and discourage voter participation.
The standoff between the ADC and INEC highlights growing tensions over party leadership disputes and electoral procedures, raising concerns about the credibility and stability of Nigeria’s democratic process as the 2027 elections approach.
