Lilian Ugwu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over a recent directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the move could effectively prevent it from fielding candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections. The party described the action as a threat to its constitutional right to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process and urged the Commission to reverse its decision.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement on Monday that the crisis arose from INEC’s decision to halt receiving correspondence from the party pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court. According to Abdullahi, this suspension risks undermining ADC’s compliance with electoral law, putting it in an impossible position ahead of critical submission deadlines.
“We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to prevent the African Democratic Congress from fielding candidates in the upcoming elections,” Abdullahi stated. He further stressed that the party has submitted certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s own sworn affidavit, all of which confirm the legitimacy of the party’s leadership transition.
The leadership dispute dates back to a July 29, 2025, National Executive Committee meeting of the ADC, where a new National Working Committee led by Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary was inaugurated. INEC officials were present to monitor the meeting, documented the proceedings, and subsequently updated its internal records to reflect the new leadership.
“The facts are clear,” Abdullahi said. “INEC received formal notice of the NEC meeting, deployed officials to monitor it, documented proceedings, and received reports confirming the new leadership. The Commission’s own sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court affirms these legal principles, recognizing the David Mark-led National Working Committee and stating that completed acts cannot be reversed by injunction.”
Despite this clear documentation, INEC recently announced that it would no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC until the court matter is resolved. The party argues that this decision contradicts INEC’s previous actions and threatens to create artificial non-compliance that could be used to bar it from fielding candidates.
Under the Electoral Act, political parties are required to observe strict timelines, including a 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines. INEC has fixed May 10 as the deadline for the submission of relevant documents for the 2027 elections. By refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this period, the Commission is effectively preventing the party from meeting legal obligations.
“In simple terms, unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, the party could be barred from producing candidates,” Abdullahi said. He described the situation as a “landmine,” potentially creating a pathway for exclusion from the electoral process.
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the decision to delist prominent ADC figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, was in compliance with a court order directing the preservation of the status quo pending the final judgment of the trial court.
However, the ADC maintains that INEC’s action contradicts its prior recognition of the party’s leadership. The party’s statement points to INEC’s sworn affidavit submitted on September 12, 2025, in response to a petition by Nafiu Bala Gombe. Clauses 14 to 19 of the affidavit affirm that the leadership transition had been completed, recognized, and legally valid, and that such internal party matters should not be subject to judicial reversal.
The leadership dispute stems from the tenure disagreement of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, who left office in August 2022. While Nwosu reportedly supported the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, claimed the right to assume the role of acting chairman. Rival factions escalated the conflict through multiple legal battles, reaching both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, raising concerns over the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi urged INEC to resume correspondence with the ADC and allow the party to meet electoral deadlines. “INEC’s position threatens to undermine democracy and the constitutional right of political parties to field candidates. It is critical that the Commission ensures a level playing field for all parties, irrespective of ongoing court matters,” he said.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on April 2, Senator David Mark reaffirmed that party activities, including congresses and internal elections, would continue as scheduled. He described INEC’s recent actions as unlawful and inconsistent with prior recognition of the party’s leadership.
Political analysts have expressed concern that the situation could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s electoral process. By halting official communication with a major political party, INEC risks creating a precedent where internal party disputes may be used to impede participation in elections, potentially undermining the credibility of the democratic process.
The ADC leadership dispute highlights the challenges Nigerian political parties face in navigating internal conflicts while complying with electoral regulations. Observers note that clear guidelines and consistent enforcement by INEC are essential to prevent manipulation or exclusion of parties due to unresolved leadership issues.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the ADC case underscores the delicate balance between judicial oversight, party autonomy, and regulatory compliance. The outcome of the ongoing legal battle, and INEC’s subsequent actions, will likely set a precedent for how leadership disputes in political parties are handled ahead of elections.
In conclusion, the African Democratic Congress is calling for immediate action from INEC to restore correspondence channels, allowing the party to comply with electoral deadlines. Failure to do so, the party warns, risks disenfranchising its members and undermining democratic participation. The nation’s attention now turns to both the Federal High Court and INEC, as the resolution of this dispute will determine the ADC’s ability to participate fully in the 2027 elections.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.