Our Reporter, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it described as “institutional landmines” allegedly being deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the party from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on Monday, the party said its concerns were based on documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s sworn affidavit in an ongoing court matter.
According to the ADC, INEC had received formal notice of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, monitored the proceedings, and subsequently updated its internal records to reflect a change in the party’s leadership.
The party noted that the updated records recognized former Senate President, David Mark, as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary.
“These are not mere claims but facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the statement said.
The ADC further cited a sworn affidavit filed by INEC before the Federal High Court on September 12, 2025, in response to a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe. It said the affidavit affirmed that the party’s leadership transition had been completed and recognized, and that such internal party matters fall outside judicial interference.
The affidavit, according to the party, also stated that completed acts cannot be reversed by injunction and acknowledged the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC).
Despite this, the ADC expressed concern that INEC had recently taken a contrary position by declining to receive correspondence from the party pending the determination of the court case.
The party argued that this stance poses a serious threat to its participation in the electoral process, given the strict timelines imposed by the Electoral Act, including the 21-day notice requirement for political activities and submission deadlines.
It noted that INEC had set May 10 as the deadline for submission of relevant documents but warned that the Commission’s refusal to accept correspondence within the same timeframe effectively blocks the party from complying with legal requirements.
“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 added.
The ADC described the situation as placing the party in an “impossible position” and creating a pathway for what it called “artificial non-compliance,” which could be used to justify excluding it from the ballot.
The party also faulted INEC’s justification that its April 1 decision was intended to avoid rendering the court proceedings nugatory, arguing instead that the Commission’s actions risk undermining the judicial process.
It further accused INEC of contradicting its earlier conduct and legal position, having previously monitored, documented, and formally recognized the party’s leadership.
The ADC called on the electoral body to immediately reverse its decision, resume acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the party, and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning of what it described as attempts to undermine democratic processes in the country.
