The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to sideline it from the 2027 general elections by withdrawing its recognition.
In a statement on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC’s recent actions — including refusing to accept official correspondence from the party — could prevent it from meeting critical electoral requirements.
“We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to stop the ADC from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” Abdullahi said.
The party has been grappling with a leadership crisis since July 2025, when an opposition coalition took control of its structure. The dispute stems from claims by former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala, who challenged the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as national chairman.
Tensions escalated after INEC announced it would no longer recognise either the Mark-led leadership or the Bala faction, citing a Court of Appeal ruling. The commission also stated it would suspend dealings with both sides pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.
However, Abdullahi argued that INEC’s stance contradicts its earlier actions and official records.
“INEC received formal notice of the ADC’s July 29, 2025, National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, deployed officials to monitor it, and later uploaded the names of the new leadership,” he said.
He added that the commission’s refusal to accept party correspondence now clashes with provisions of the Electoral Act, which outlines strict timelines for party primaries and candidate submissions.
“The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines. By refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this same period, INEC is effectively preventing the party from complying with the law,” Abdullahi stated.
He warned that the situation places the party in an “impossible position,” adding that unless the courts resolve the leadership dispute by May 10, the ADC may be unable to field candidates in the elections.
