The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately attempting to frustrate its participation in the 2027 general elections through what it described as “administrative landmines.”
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that recent actions by INEC could effectively prevent it from fielding candidates.
At the heart of the dispute is INEC’s decision to suspend acceptance of correspondence from the ADC pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court. While the electoral body maintains that the move is procedural, the opposition party insists it poses a serious threat to its compliance with electoral requirements.
According to the ADC, provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 stipulate strict timelines, including a mandatory 21-day notice period for party activities and deadlines for submission of documents. The party noted that INEC had already fixed May 10 as the deadline for submissions.
The ADC argued that by refusing to receive its communications within this period, the commission is effectively setting it up for failure.
“In simple terms, INEC is threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the party from producing candidates,” the statement said.
The party described the situation as placing it in an “impossible position,” warning that it creates a pathway to “artificial non-compliance” that could later be used to justify its exclusion from the elections.
Citing what it called documentary evidence, the ADC insisted that INEC had previously recognised its current leadership structure. It said the commission acknowledged its July 29, 2025 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, monitored the proceedings, and updated its records to reflect the emergence of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the party stated.
The ADC further pointed to a sworn affidavit reportedly filed by INEC before the Federal High Court in September 2025, which it said affirmed recognition of the party’s leadership transition and acknowledged that such internal matters fall outside judicial interference.
Despite this, the party accused INEC of adopting a contradictory position by suspending engagement while still enforcing compliance deadlines.
INEC had explained its April 1 decision as necessary to avoid undermining ongoing court proceedings. However, the ADC rejected the justification, arguing that the move interferes with due process and creates “clear legal and operational consequences.”
The party warned that the development could undermine democratic principles if not urgently addressed.
“We urge the commission to resume acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the ADC and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties,” the statement added.
The ADC also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, alleging that the situation reflects broader attempts to subvert democratic processes ahead of the 2027 elections.
