The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a lawless party following its decision to proceed with a national convention. This comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially deregistered the party. ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed the congress would go ahead, stating on X: "This is to notify all members of the ADC that despite the illegal actions of @inecnigeria, the ADC congresses will continue as follows." Onanuga responded sharply, writing: "Just continue your illegality, the lawless ADC. The dog that wants to get lost in the forest will ignore the hunter's whistle." His statement reflects the presidency's position that the party is operating outside legal recognition.
Bayo Onanuga's dismissal of the ADC as "lawless" underscores the political isolation of a party defying INEC's authority. With Bolaji Abdullahi pushing forward the congress schedule regardless, the ADC is betting on defiance over legitimacy. For Nigerian voters, this means a party once on the ballot now operates as a political entity without regulatory standing. No court ruling or public outcry has followed, suggesting such actions will face no immediate consequence.
