ADC Alleges INEC Derecognition Aims to Block Party from 2027 Elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has made a serious allegation that its derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is part of a calculated effort to obstruct the party from participating in the upcoming 2027 general election. In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed grave concerns about the commission's recent actions, which include refusing to accept official correspondence from the ADC.
Leadership Crisis and INEC's Stance
The ADC has been mired in a deep leadership crisis since July 2025, when an opposition coalition took control of the party's structure. The dispute primarily revolves around claims by former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala, who contested the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as the national chairman. This internal conflict escalated significantly after INEC announced it would no longer recognize either the Mark-led leadership or the Bala faction, citing a recent Court of Appeal judgment as the basis for this decision.
Furthermore, the commission stated it would refrain from engaging with both groups until the outcome of a pending case before the Federal High Court is determined. However, Abdullahi argued that INEC's current position starkly contradicts its earlier actions and official records, creating what he described as an impossible situation for the party.
Contradictions in INEC's Actions
Abdullahi pointed out specific inconsistencies in INEC's behavior. INEC received formal notice of the July 29, 2025, National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC. It deployed officials to monitor that meeting and subsequently uploaded the names of the new leadership, he stated. This prior engagement, according to Abdullahi, makes the commission's current refusal to accept party correspondence not only contradictory but also in conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act.
The Electoral Act establishes strict timelines for party primaries and the submission of candidates, which are critical for electoral participation. The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines. However, by refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this same period, the commission is effectively preventing the party from complying with the law, Abdullahi emphasized. This obstruction, he warned, could severely hinder the ADC's ability to meet key electoral requirements, potentially barring it from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections.
Implications and Urgent Warnings
Abdullahi issued a dire warning about the consequences of this development. He stressed that unless the courts deliver a judgment on the ADC leadership dispute by May 10, the party risks being completely unable to produce candidates for the upcoming elections. This timeline is crucial, as it aligns with the electoral calendar and legal deadlines set by INEC.
The ADC's allegations raise significant questions about electoral fairness and the commission's role in political party disputes. As the 2027 election approaches, this situation highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria's democratic processes, including the handling of internal party conflicts and adherence to electoral laws. The party's call for transparency and compliance underscores the high stakes involved in ensuring all political entities have a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic arena.
