The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing its chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, of exceeding his powers. The party stated it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite INEC's objection. ADC National Chairman, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, said the electoral body cannot stop the party from holding internal democratic processes. "You're not the court," she told Yakubu, referencing a court judgment that, according to ADC, permits it to conduct its affairs. The party cited a Federal High Court ruling from June 2023 that reportedly affirmed its leadership structure and autonomy. INEC had written to ADC, warning against holding any congresses, claiming the party's current leadership is not recognised under its register. ADC dismissed the position, insisting that the judiciary, not INEC, has the final say on such matters. The party plans to hold its national convention on July 20, 2024, in Abuja.
ADC's public rebuke of INEC's chairman is less about procedure and more about the shaky ground the commission occupies between political parties and judicial rulings. Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili's insistence on holding the July 20 convention, backed by a 2023 court judgment, exposes a recurring tension: INEC often acts as gatekeeper, even when courts have ruled otherwise. For Nigerian voters, this signals that party internal democracy remains hostage to bureaucratic standoffs. A commission meant to regulate elections is now a party to the conflict.
