The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal and institutional challenges after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer accept correspondence from the party pending a ruling by the Federal High Court. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said this move undermines the Electoral Act (2026), which sets strict timelines for electoral processes, including a mandatory 21-day notice period for party primaries. The ADC insists it has lawfully elected a new National Working Committee, with Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, and that INEC had previously updated its records to reflect these changes. Despite this, INEC's current stance has created uncertainty over the party's ability to field candidates in the 2027 general elections.
ADC leaders are divided on how to respond. Some advocate defying INEC and proceeding with party congresses and primaries, while others warn it could be a legal trap. A faction has suggested a mass move to another party, though concerns remain about losing existing momentum. Another option, largely unsupported, is boycotting the elections, which would sideline aspirants. Former National Chairman Dr Ralph Nwosu accused INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan of acting beyond his mandate, claiming he is imposing a personal interpretation of court rulings. Nwosu said the party would broadcast its proceedings through newspapers and radio to maintain transparency, asserting that INEC's actions are unlawful and politically motivated.
INEC's refusal to engage the ADC while court proceedings are ongoing directly disrupts the party's ability to meet statutory deadlines under the Electoral Act. Dr Ralph Nwosu's assertion that the commission is overreaching its authority exposes a critical tension between electoral autonomy and political interference. If INEC can suspend communication with a registered party without judicial finality, it sets a precedent that weakens smaller parties' electoral rights. For Nigerian voters, this raises concerns about fairness in the 2027 election process, particularly for parties outside the dominant political blocs.
