The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced serious concern over its current standing with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that recent developments could effectively exclude the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.
At the heart of the issue is the alleged derecognition of the party by INEC, a move the ADC believes may not be unconnected to a broader attempt to sideline it politically.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known in a strongly worded statement, where he outlined a series of actions by the electoral body that he said are capable of crippling the party’s operations.
According to Abdullahi, the refusal by INEC to receive official correspondence from the party is particularly troubling, as it directly affects the ADC’s ability to meet statutory requirements outlined in Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
He argued that compliance with electoral timelines—such as conducting primaries and submitting candidate lists—depends heavily on open communication with the electoral commission.
The ADC further maintained that the situation places it in a legal and administrative dilemma.
While the law mandates strict adherence to timelines, the party claims it is being denied the opportunity to fulfil those obligations.
Abdullahi described this as an “impossible position,” suggesting that the ADC risks being unfairly penalised despite making efforts to comply with the law.
This controversy is closely tied to an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which began in July 2025.
During that period, a coalition of opposition figures reportedly assumed control of the party’s structure, leading to disputes over legitimacy and authority.
The crisis intensified when former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, challenged the emergence of former Senate President, David Mark, as the party’s National Chairman.
The internal conflict created two rival factions within the ADC, each claiming legitimacy.
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This division ultimately drew the attention of INEC, which initially monitored developments within the party.
According to Abdullahi, the commission had earlier acknowledged the outcome of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025.
He noted that INEC officials were present at the meeting and subsequently uploaded the names of the newly constituted leadership to its records.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when INEC later announced that it would no longer recognise either faction of the ADC leadership.
The commission cited a judgment of the Court of Appeal as the basis for its decision and stated that it would refrain from engaging with both sides until the matter is conclusively determined by the Federal High Court.
For the ADC, this shift in position raises significant concerns about consistency and fairness.
Abdullahi argued that INEC’s earlier actions suggest that the commission had, at some point, accepted the legitimacy of the party’s leadership processes.
The sudden reversal, he said, not only contradicts those earlier steps but also creates confusion about the party’s legal standing.
More importantly, the ADC fears that the timing of these developments could have far-reaching consequences.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, political parties are expected to begin internal processes well in advance.
These include organising congresses, conducting primaries, and submitting candidate details within timelines prescribed by law.
The ADC insists that without recognition from INEC, it cannot effectively carry out these activities.
Abdullahi warned that if the courts fail to resolve the leadership dispute by May 10, the party may be unable to field candidates, thereby missing out on the electoral process entirely.
This possibility has sparked wider debate about the implications for Nigeria’s democratic system.
Observers note that political pluralism—the ability of multiple parties to participate freely in elections—is a cornerstone of democracy.
Any situation that appears to limit the participation of a registered party, such as the ADC, is likely to attract scrutiny and concern.
While INEC has maintained that its actions are guided by legal considerations, particularly the need to comply with court rulings, the ADC is urging the commission to reconsider its approach.
The party believes that administrative decisions should not inadvertently undermine democratic participation.
As the legal battle continues, all eyes are now on the judiciary, whose eventual ruling is expected to determine the future of the ADC.
For now, the party remains in a state of uncertainty, grappling with both internal divisions and external challenges.
Ultimately, the unfolding situation highlights the complex interplay between law, politics, and electoral administration in Nigeria.
Whether the ADC can navigate these challenges and secure its place in the 2027 elections will depend largely on how quickly the courts act and how INEC responds in the coming weeks.
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