The African Democratic Congress has raised alarm over a recent directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that it could jeopardize the party’s ability to present candidates in forthcoming elections.
In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the situation stems from INEC’s decision to temporarily halt acceptance of official communication from the party due to an ongoing legal dispute at the Federal High Court.
According to Abdullahi, the commission’s position creates a serious compliance challenge, especially given the strict timelines imposed by the Electoral Act. He noted that while INEC has set deadlines for submission of documents, its refusal to engage with the party could make it impossible for the ADC to meet those requirements.
The party argued that the development contradicts INEC’s earlier actions. It recalled that the commission had previously monitored its National Executive Committee meeting held in July 2025 and acknowledged the leadership structure that emerged from it. The ADC insisted that these actions were documented and supported by official records, including reports and affidavits submitted in court.
Despite this, the party expressed concern that INEC’s latest stance could effectively exclude it from participating in the electoral process if the court does not deliver a judgment before key deadlines.
The ADC described the situation as a “dangerous contradiction,” warning that it creates conditions for forced non-compliance that may later be used as grounds to disqualify the party from fielding candidates.
INEC had earlier explained that its decision was aimed at maintaining neutrality while the court determines the leadership dispute within the party. The commission stated that it was complying with a directive to preserve the status quo until a final ruling is delivered.
However, the ADC maintains that such a move interferes with its constitutional rights and undermines fair political participation. The party has therefore called on INEC to reverse its decision and resume accepting its communications.
The crisis within the ADC dates back to disputes over leadership succession following the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu. The disagreement led to the emergence of rival factions, triggering multiple legal battles and raising concerns about the party’s readiness for future elections.
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