The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking steps that could prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that recent actions by INEC are creating an “impossible position” for the party and may be used to artificially block its candidates.
“These Are Not Claims. They Are Facts Contained in INEC’s Own Records”
Abdullahi explained that the party has documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s own affidavit, which confirm the party’s compliance with procedural requirements.
He said INEC was formally notified of the ADC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, where officials attended to monitor proceedings. Following the meeting, the commission reportedly updated its internal records to reflect the party’s leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” Abdullahi stressed.
“INEC Is Effectively Threatening to Block Our Candidates”
Abdullahi disclosed that INEC has now taken a contradictory stance, refusing to accept any correspondence from the ADC until the Federal High Court resolves a leadership dispute within the party.
He warned that this decision threatens the party’s ability to comply with the Electoral Act, which mandates a 21-day notice and other submission requirements. With INEC already setting May 10 as the deadline for relevant filings, the party faces the risk of being excluded from the elections.
“In simple terms, INEC is effectively threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the ADC from producing candidates,” Abdullahi said. He described this as a pathway to “artificial non-compliance” that could unjustly bar the party from contesting.
The ADC has called on INEC to reverse its decision immediately, resume accepting correspondence, and ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the elections.
