By Nkechi Eze
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it described as deliberate administrative actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly designed to prevent the party from fielding candidates in the forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed that the electoral body’s recent decision to suspend acceptance of correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court could effectively bar the party from meeting statutory electoral deadlines.
According to the party, the development creates a direct conflict with timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act, which require political parties to issue mandatory notices and submit relevant documents within specific periods, including a 21-day notice window for critical electoral processes.
The ADC said documentary evidence, including certified records from INEC, attendance logs, monitoring reports and excerpts from the commission’s sworn affidavit, shows that the electoral body had previously monitored and acknowledged the party’s leadership transition.
The party explained that INEC received formal notice of its National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, and deployed officials to observe the proceedings. Following the meeting, the commission reportedly updated its records and uploaded the names of the party’s new leadership, including David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims but facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the party stated.
The statement further referenced an affidavit filed by INEC before the Federal High Court on September 12, 2025, in response to a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe. According to the ADC, the affidavit affirmed that the leadership transition had already been completed and recognised, noting that such internal party matters fall outside the scope of judicial interference.
Despite this record, the party expressed concern that INEC has now taken the position that it will no longer accept any correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of the court case.
The party argued that the decision places it in a difficult position, particularly as INEC has fixed May 10 as the deadline for submission of relevant documents by political parties.
According to the ADC, refusing to receive correspondence within that same period could effectively prevent the party from complying with the law and create grounds for excluding it from presenting candidates in 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,” the statement said.
The party also faulted INEC’s explanation that the decision was intended to avoid rendering court proceedings nugatory, arguing that the commission’s action has instead introduced legal and operational complications.
It further claimed that the move contradicts the electoral body’s earlier conduct, noting that the same commission that monitored, documented and recognised the party’s leadership is now taking a different position.
The ADC therefore called on INEC to immediately reverse its stance and resume accepting lawful correspondence from the party.
It also urged the commission to uphold its constitutional responsibility of ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
The party appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that actions capable of undermining democratic processes could pose serious risks to the country’s democratic system.
