ADC accuses INEC of bias as recognition crisis deepens
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could jeopardise its participation in the 2027 general elections.
The party said the electoral body’s refusal to receive its correspondence risks preventing it from fielding candidates, citing looming legal deadlines that it may be unable to meet.
In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that INEC’s position has made compliance with statutory requirements—including notice periods and document submissions—effectively impossible ahead of the May 10 deadline set by the Commission.
The party maintained that INEC’s stance is inconsistent with its previous dealings, noting that existing records show the Commission had recognised and engaged with its leadership. It said it possesses documentary evidence—including certified INEC records, attendance logs and monitoring reports—as well as extracts from the Commission’s sworn affidavit, which it claims establish a consistent account of events.
According to the ADC, INEC was formally notified of its National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, which the Commission attended in an official capacity. It added that INEC subsequently updated its records to reflect a new leadership structure, naming David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Describing these as verifiable facts contained in INEC’s own records, the party said it was contradictory for the Commission to refuse all correspondence pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.
The ADC noted that the Electoral Act prescribes strict timelines for political parties, including a 21-day notice requirement, and warned that INEC’s refusal to accept its submissions within this window effectively prevents compliance with the law.
It cautioned that unless a court ruling on its leadership dispute is delivered before May 10, the party may be unable to present candidates, creating what it described as “artificial non-compliance” that could later be used to exclude it from the electoral process.
The party called on INEC to reconsider its position and resume accepting its correspondence in line with its constitutional mandate to ensure fairness among political parties. It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to undermine the democratic process.