The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns that it may be unable to field candidates in the 2027 general elections, alleging moves by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sideline the party.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that INEC’s actions could prevent the ADC from complying with key provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly deadlines for submitting candidates’ details. He argued that the commission’s refusal to recognise the party’s interim leadership and accept official correspondence places the ADC in an “impossible position.”
The dispute stems from INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the party’s National Working Committee led by David Mark, following a Court of Appeal judgment ordering a return to the previous leadership structure pending resolution of an ongoing legal battle.
Former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, dismissed claims that the party is in disarray, insisting that its structures remain intact despite internal disagreements. He accused INEC of overstepping its regulatory role and interfering in internal party affairs.
The party warned that unless INEC reverses its stance and resumes recognition of its leadership, it risks being unable to meet statutory deadlines, effectively excluding it from participating in the elections. Abdullahi described the situation as a deliberate attempt to engineer “artificial non-compliance.”
Tensions escalated as the ADC Youth Wing issued a 72-hour ultimatum to INEC, threatening nationwide protests if the commission fails to recognise the interim leadership. The group said it would mobilise supporters across all states and the Federal Capital Territory for peaceful demonstrations.
However, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) defended INEC, stating that the commission acted within the law and in compliance with a valid court ruling. Its Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, described criticisms of the electoral body as misleading.
The council warned against politicising civil society platforms and urged aggrieved party members to seek legal redress rather than resort to protests, emphasising that adherence to the rule of law remains essential to Nigeria’s democratic process.
