RismadarVoice Reporters, April 6, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it described as actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that could prevent the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that INEC’s refusal to receive its correspondence is hindering its ability to meet critical legal requirements ahead of the May 10 deadline set by the Commission.
The ADC argued that compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, including mandatory notice periods and submission timelines, has become impossible under the current circumstances.
“We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to prevent the ADC from fielding candidates,” the statement read.
The party maintained that available records, including certified INEC documents, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and sworn affidavits, show that the Commission had previously recognised and engaged with its leadership.
According to the ADC, INEC was duly notified of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and had acknowledged the emergence of a new leadership led by Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims; they are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the party said.
However, it expressed concern over INEC’s current position that it would no longer accept correspondence from the party pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court, describing the move as contradictory and potentially harmful.
The ADC warned that the situation could lead to what it termed “artificial non-compliance,” effectively creating grounds to exclude the party from the electoral process if deadlines lapse without its submissions being accepted.
“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 party stated.
The party called on INEC to immediately reverse its stance, resume acceptance of its communications, and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning against any actions capable of undermining democratic processes in the country.
