ADC faction warns INEC move could block party from fielding candidates

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised fresh concerns over a directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the decision could effectively shut the party out of upcoming elections.

Speaking on Monday, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the situation stems from INEC’s refusal to accept official correspondence from the party pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.

The party stated, “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.

“INEC received formal notice of the July 29, 2025, National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC. It deployed officials to monitor that meeting, documented the proceedings, and received formal reports from its field officers. Following this, INEC updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records. In addition, the Commission’s sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court, in its response to Nafiu Bala Gombe on 12 September 2025, particularly in Clauses 14 to 19, affirms key legal principles: that the leadership transition had already been completed and recognized; that such internal party matters fall outside the scope of judicial interference; that completed acts cannot be reversed by injunction; and also recognizes the David Mark-led NWC.

“Yet, despite this clear documentary trail, INEC has now taken the position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a matter before the Federal High Court. This is where the contradiction becomes dangerous.”

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The party warned that the development creates a legal trap that could prevent it from meeting statutory requirements for candidate nomination.

It continued, “The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines on political parties, including the 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines. INEC itself has fixed May 10 as the deadline for the submission of relevant documents. However, by refusing to receive communication from the ADC within this same period, the Commission is effectively preventing the party from complying with the law.

“In simple terms, INEC is effectively threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the ADC from producing candidates. This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which can then be used to justify excluding the party from fielding candidates. That is the landmine.

“INEC has claimed that its April 1 decision was taken to avoid rendering the proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory. The reality is the opposite. By intervening in a matter already before the court and issuing a pronouncement with clear legal and operational consequences, the Commission has itself undermined the very process it claims to protect.

“What is even more concerning is that this position contradicts INEC’s own prior conduct and legal stance. The same Commission that monitored, documented, recognised, and swore to an affidavit confirming the ADC leadership is now acting in a way that contradicts its earlier position.”

The ADC called on INEC to reverse its stance, resume official engagement with the party, and ensure fairness in the electoral process.

The controversy follows INEC’s April 1 decision to delist key figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from its records, citing a court directive to maintain the status quo pending final judgment.

INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the move was necessary to comply with a subsisting court order.

The party has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership tussle since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark. The dispute traces back to disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022.

While Nwosu backed the 2025 leadership transition, his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisted he should assume the role of acting chairman, triggering a protracted legal and political battle.

Despite the uncertainty, Mark has insisted that party activities will proceed as planned. Addressing journalists in Abuja on April 2, he described INEC’s directive as unlawful and maintained that congresses and other internal processes would continue as scheduled.

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