The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is weighing its next line of action following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise its leadership and suspend official communication with the party.
The ADC said the development could affect its ability to participate in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the move by INEC was part of a deliberate administrative strategy to prevent it from fielding candidates in upcoming elections.
According to Abdullahi, the electoral body had informed the party that it would no longer receive correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a case currently before the Federal High Court.
He said while the decision might appear procedural, it could create serious complications for the party.
Abdullahi explained that the situation directly conflicts with timelines set by the Electoral Act (2026).
He noted that the law provides specific windows within which political parties must conduct key activities, including the mandatory 21-day notice period for primaries and other electoral processes.
“On its face, this may appear procedural but in reality it creates a direct and dangerous conflict with the clear timelines imposed by the Electoral Act (2026),” he said.
Party leaders hold consultations
Sources within the party said consultations are ongoing among leaders as the ADC prepares for its national convention, which is expected to produce a substantive National Working Committee (NWC).
The election of a new NWC is considered critical for organising the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, political analysts said the party now faces limited options as the crisis deepens.
According to Daily Trust, sources within the party said some leaders are considering defying INEC by proceeding with the party’s congresses and national convention despite the commission’s position.
Others, however, are reportedly warning against such a move, describing it as a potential trap that could later be used to invalidate the party’s processes.
Another option being discussed, according to insiders, is for party leaders to move collectively to another political platform.
However, sources noted that such a move could take time to gain traction with voters, particularly as the party has already invested significant efforts in building the ADC structure.
A third option reportedly under consideration is the possibility of boycotting the 2027 elections, citing alleged attempts by the ruling party to use INEC to undermine the ADC.
However, party sources said the idea has not received strong backing.
Many stakeholders believe a boycott would deny party members and aspirants the opportunity to contest elective offices.
As a result, leaders of the party are said to be holding a series of meetings to resolve the issue.
When contacted, Bolaji Abdullahi declined to reveal the specific steps the party intends to take.
However, former ADC National Chairman, Dr Ralph Nwosu, criticised INEC’s position and insisted that the party would continue to operate transparently.
He argued that institutions like INEC belong to the Nigerian people and should not be used to undermine political participation.
“If INEC refuses to receive our submissions, we are going to advertise them in all Nigerian newspapers and broadcast them on radio stations so Nigerians will see that we are following a transparent process,” he said.
Nwosu also criticised the leadership of INEC, accusing the commission of misinterpreting legal developments surrounding the party.
He argued that the electoral body should seek clarification from the courts rather than independently interpreting legal rulings.
He further insisted that the party had properly followed its constitution during meetings of its National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to him, the NEC resolved to dissolve the former NWC and subsequently elected a new leadership team led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Nwosu maintained that INEC officials were present during the meeting and that the party possesses official records of the proceedings.
Addressing speculation about the possibility of joining another party, Nwosu said the issue was not under consideration.
He accused unnamed political actors of attempting to frustrate efforts to build a coalition against the ruling party.
“The owners of our democracy are Nigerians. We will open up our books to the Nigerian people,” he said.
Despite the ongoing dispute with INEC, Nwosu expressed confidence that the party would overcome the crisis and participate fully in the electoral process.
