The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Faces Alleged Electoral Obstruction
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns about what it describes as “deliberate administrative landmines” being implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to block the party from fieldting candidates in the upcoming elections. This comes after INEC announced that it would not monitor the ADC’s congresses and National Convention, which began on 7th April 2026, pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.
Professor Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of INEC, defended the decision, stating that ignoring legal constraints could lead to significant consequences. He cited previous instances where political parties lost electoral victories due to non-compliance with regulations.
Despite this, the ADC has vowed to proceed with its internal processes, calling INEC’s actions an illegal interference. The party claims that the commission’s stance is a distortion of the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo, which they argue amounts to contempt of court and an overreach of authority.
A Growing Crisis Within the ADC
On Thursday, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, addressed a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The event was attended by notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi. During the press conference, Mark called for the immediate resignation or removal of Professor Joash Amupitan and all the National Commissioners.
This demand followed INEC’s decision to remove the names of the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Senator David Mark, from its portal and to suspend recognition of rival factions within the party. This move came as part of an ongoing leadership dispute before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement released on Sunday, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC highlighted the core issue: INEC’s refusal to accept any correspondence from the ADC until the court case is resolved. According to Abdullahi, while this may seem procedural, it creates a dangerous conflict with the timelines set by the Electoral Act (2026).
Legal Contradictions and Electoral Timelines
The ADC emphasized that the Electoral Act mandates specific deadlines, including a mandatory 21-day notice period and submission requirements. By refusing to receive communication from the ADC during this time, INEC is effectively preventing the party from complying with the law.
Abdullahi pointed out that this contradiction is particularly concerning because it contradicts INEC’s own prior conduct. He noted that the same commission that previously monitored, documented, and recognized the ADC leadership now appears to be acting against its earlier position.
The ADC has provided documentary evidence, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s sworn affidavit. These documents allegedly show that INEC had previously accepted the ADC’s leadership transition and recognized the new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The ADC’s Call for Action
The ADC has urged INEC to reverse its position, resume accepting lawful correspondence from the party, and uphold its constitutional duty to ensure a fair playing field for all political parties. The party also warned Nigerians to remain vigilant against these alleged machinations aimed at subverting Nigeria’s democracy and imposing a civilian dictatorship.
The statement read: “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. It is based on documentary evidence which we are now placing before the Nigerian public, including certified INEC records, attendance logs, monitoring reports, and excerpts from the Commission’s own sworn affidavit. Taken together, these documents establish a clear and consistent record of events.”
Key Dates for the ADC’s Internal Processes
The ADC has scheduled the following dates for its internal processes:
- Screening of aspirants: 7th April 2026
- Appeals on the screening exercise: 8th April 2026
- Polling unit, ward, and local government congresses: 9th April 2026
- Appeals on the congresses: 10th April 2026
- State congresses: 11th April 2026
- Appeals on the state congresses: 12th April 2026
- Convention: 14th April 2026
