ADC Accuses INEC of Moves to Exclude Party from 2027 Elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking steps aimed at excluding the party from participating in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the commission’s decision to derecognise its leadership and refuse official correspondence is a calculated move that could hinder the party’s ability to field candidates.

The ADC has been entangled in a leadership crisis since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party’s structure. The situation worsened after Nafiu Bala challenged the emergence of David Mark as national chairman, describing the process as unlawful.

The dispute escalated last week when INEC announced it would no longer recognise the leadership under Mark. The electoral body also said it would not engage with either faction of the party, citing a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12 and a pending case before the Federal High Court.

INEC added that it would not attend meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the factions until the legal issues are resolved.

However, Abdullahi argued that the commission’s position contradicts provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and its own timetable for the 2027 elections, which set deadlines for party primaries and submission of candidates’ details.

He maintained that INEC had previously acknowledged the party’s leadership after monitoring its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and updating its internal records accordingly.

The ADC spokesman warned that by refusing to receive correspondence within the stipulated timeline, the commission is effectively placing the party in a position of non-compliance, which could be used to justify its exclusion from the elections.

He called on INEC to immediately reverse its decision, resume engagement with the party, and ensure a level playing field for all political parties.