The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come under the spotlight as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal accuse the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias and unlawful interference in opposition party affairs. Atiku, speaking in a BBC interview, alleged that INEC deliberately misinterpreted legal provisions and acted with partisanship to favour President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He pointed to the removal of ADC officials from the commission's portal despite court rulings affirming the party's internal leadership structure. "We are accusing them of, first of all, misinterpreting the law. We are also accusing them of bias… For sure, for sure," Atiku said. He stressed that INEC has no authority to interfere in the internal governance of political parties and warned that such overreach threatens Nigeria's democratic foundation. Tambuwal echoed these concerns, supporting the ADC's push for autonomy ahead of its national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Abuja. The ADC is positioning itself as a unifying platform for opposition figures, with plans to nominate Atiku, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi to lead a proposed caretaker council. Legal battles over the party's leadership have persisted, but court decisions have so far upheld the rights of the faction aligned with this emerging coalition. INEC has not issued a public response to the allegations.
Atiku's direct accusation that INEC is misinterpreting the law and acting with bias cuts to the core of Nigeria's electoral credibility, especially given his role in the country's democratic transition. The claim is not merely political rhetoric but hinges on verifiable actions—such as the removal of ADC officials from INEC's portal—despite existing court rulings that affirm the party's internal legitimacy. This suggests a pattern where regulatory bodies may be selectively enforcing rules in ways that align with the current administration's political interests.
Nigeria's democracy has repeatedly faced stress tests where institutions meant to be neutral appear to bend under executive influence, particularly in election cycles. The current standoff fits a broader trend across several African nations where electoral commissions become battlegrounds for power consolidation, often under the guise of administrative procedure. When court decisions are issued but not fully respected by regulatory agencies, it erodes judicial authority and emboldens institutional overreach.
For Nigeria, a country where public trust in electoral fairness remains fragile, the implications are serious. If opposition parties cannot operate without regulatory interference, the 2027 elections risk being seen as predetermined. This undermines not only voter confidence but also the legitimacy of any outcome, regardless of actual conduct on election day.
What to watch is whether INEC will reinstate the ADC officials in line with court orders and how the judiciary responds if it does not. A failure to enforce existing rulings would signal a deeper institutional crisis.
