The African Democratic Congress says it will press ahead with its planned congresses and national convention despite uncertainty over recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC has already fulfilled the legal requirement by giving INEC a 21-day notice for the activities. According to him, the electoral commission acknowledged receiving the notification.
Abdullahi stressed that the party would not suspend its internal processes regardless of the commission’s stance, insisting that preparations for the congresses and national convention would continue as scheduled.
He also raised concerns about what he described as increasing pressure on Nigeria’s democratic space, warning that efforts to stifle political competition ahead of the 2027 elections could weaken the country’s democratic system.
The controversy comes after INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary from its official portal. The electoral body also indicated it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared the party’s national chairman through a court process.
Abdullahi argued that the ADC had followed due process and should be allowed to conduct its activities without interference.
“If this were a military regime, perhaps such actions would be expected,” he said, warning that moves that appear to limit political options could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
He added that the party would go ahead with its congresses and convention whether or not INEC officials attend, insisting that Nigerians are watching closely as political developments unfold ahead of the next general elections.
