ADC Accuses INEC of Creating 'Landmines' to Exclude Party from 2027 Elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has leveled serious allegations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of deliberately creating procedural landmines that could prevent the opposition party from fielding candidates in the upcoming 2027 general elections. In a strongly worded statement, the party called on INEC to immediately reverse its current position and resume accepting all lawful correspondence from the ADC to uphold constitutional responsibilities and ensure a level playing field for all political entities.
Statement from ADC National Publicity Secretary
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed grave concerns about what it describes as a developing crisis. The party highlighted that at the core of this issue is INEC's declared stance that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a matter before the Federal High Court. While this may appear procedural on the surface, the ADC argues that it creates a direct and dangerous conflict with the strict timelines imposed by the Electoral Act of 2026.
The Electoral Act provides defined windows, including a mandatory 21-day notice period and subsequent submission requirements, within which political parties must complete critical electoral processes. The ADC emphasized that INEC's refusal to accept communications during this period effectively blocks the party from complying with legal obligations, thereby threatening its participation in the elections.
Documentary Evidence and INEC's Contradictions
The ADC has presented documentary evidence to support its claims, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission's own sworn affidavit. According to the party, these documents establish a clear and consistent record of events:
- INEC received formal notice of the ADC's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025.
- INEC deployed officials to monitor that meeting, documented the proceedings, and received formal reports from its field officers.
- Following the meeting, INEC updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The party stressed that these are not mere claims but facts contained in INEC's own records. Additionally, the ADC pointed to INEC's sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court, dated September 12, 2025, in response to Nafiu Bala Gombe. Clauses 14 to 19 of this affidavit affirm key legal principles, such as the completion and recognition of the leadership transition, the non-interference of judicial bodies in internal party matters, and the recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC).
The Dangerous Contradiction and Electoral Timelines
Despite this clear documentary trail, INEC has taken a position that contradicts its earlier actions. The ADC warned that this contradiction becomes particularly dangerous given the electoral timelines. INEC has set May 10 as the deadline for the submission of relevant documents, but by refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this period, the commission is effectively preventing the party from complying with the law.
In simple terms, the ADC alleges that INEC is threatening to block the party from producing candidates unless the courts deliver a judgment on the leadership issue by May 10. This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which could then be used to justify excluding the party from fielding candidates—what the ADC refers to as the landmine.
Call for Reversal and Vigilance
The ADC has called on INEC to immediately reverse its April 1 decision, which the commission claimed was taken to avoid rendering court proceedings nugatory. The party argues that the reality is the opposite: by intervening in a matter already before the court and issuing a pronouncement with legal and operational consequences, INEC has undermined the very process it claims to protect.
Furthermore, the ADC expressed concern that this position contradicts INEC's own prior conduct and legal stance. The same commission that monitored, documented, recognized, and swore to an affidavit confirming the ADC leadership is now acting in a way that contradicts its earlier position. The party urged Nigerians to remain vigilant about what it describes as dangerous machinations to subvert Nigeria's democracy and impose a civilian dictatorship on the country.
In summary, the ADC's allegations highlight a critical juncture in Nigeria's electoral process, with implications for political inclusivity and democratic integrity as the 2027 elections approach.
