The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against conducting its national convention without regulatory oversight. Yakubu emphasized that holding party primaries or internal elections without INEC supervision violates court rulings and electoral guidelines. He referenced past electoral disputes where non-compliance led to legal setbacks for political parties. The warning comes amid speculation that the ADC plans to hold a convention to replace its national leadership, including party chairman Ighoyota Amupitan. Yakubu stated that any party action contrary to court orders risks invalidation and could disrupt the electoral timetable. INEC insists that all political parties must align their activities with established legal frameworks ahead of upcoming elections.
A party chairman facing internal revolt now has to answer to INEC's public reprimand, not just his members. When Mahmood Yakubu invokes court precedents, it signals that ADC's internal moves could unravel its electoral standing. For Nigerian voters, this means another party's stability is in question just years after similar crises cost candidates their slots. A convention held in defiance may produce leaders who never make it to the ballot.
