The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is warning of potential disruptions to Nigeria’s electoral process, alleging that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could have far-reaching consequences for political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said INEC’s decision to suspend acceptance of its correspondence—pending a court ruling on its leadership dispute—could effectively block the party from meeting key legal requirements for fielding candidates.
According to the ADC, the development comes at a critical time when the Electoral Act sets strict timelines for political parties, including mandatory notice periods and documentation deadlines. The party argues that INEC’s position creates a procedural bottleneck that may prevent compliance with these timelines.
The party maintains that it had previously followed due process, stating that INEC was formally notified of its National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025. It added that the commission monitored the meeting and updated its records to reflect a new leadership structure, based on reports from its field officers.
ADC further pointed to what it described as documentary evidence, including internal records and court filings, which it says confirm that the leadership transition had been acknowledged. However, the party expressed concern that the commission’s current stance appears to contradict its earlier actions.
With INEC reportedly fixing May 10 as a deadline for submission of relevant documents, the ADC warned that refusal to receive its communications within that window could result in what it described as “forced non-compliance,” potentially excluding it from the electoral process.
The party is now calling on INEC to reconsider its position, urging the commission to uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure equal opportunity for all political parties. It also appealed to stakeholders and the public to remain attentive to developments that could shape the integrity and inclusiveness of the 2027 elections.
