The African Democratic Congress has raised concerns that actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission could prevent it from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The party alleged that INEC’s refusal to accept its official correspondence may effectively exclude it from the electoral process, as it would be unable to meet key legal requirements, including notice periods and submission deadlines ahead of the May 10 cut-off.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said existing records show that INEC had previously monitored and recognised its leadership, making the commission’s current position difficult to understand.
“We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to prevent the ADC from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” the statement read.
The party said it has documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the commission’s sworn affidavit, to support its claims.
According to the ADC, INEC was formally notified of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, which the commission attended in an official capacity. The party added that INEC subsequently updated its records to reflect a new leadership structure led by David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the party stated.
However, the ADC said INEC has now declined to receive any further correspondence from it, citing a pending case before the Federal High Court. The party described this as a dangerous contradiction, given the strict timelines imposed by the Electoral Act.
“The law requires a 21-day notice and sets submission deadlines. INEC has fixed May 10 as the deadline, yet by refusing to receive our communication within this period, the commission is effectively preventing compliance,” the statement said.
The party warned that unless the court delivers judgment on its leadership dispute before the deadline, INEC’s position could stop it from producing candidates.
“This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a pathway to artificial non-compliance, which could then be used to justify excluding the party from the elections,” it added.
The ADC called on INEC to reverse its decision, resume acceptance of its correspondence, and uphold its constitutional duty to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to undermine democracy.
