INEC’s directive could bar us from fielding candidates, says ADC faction
The African Democratic Congress has raised an alarm that a recent directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission could prevent it from fielding candidates in upcoming elections, warning that the move risks undermining its participation in the electoral process.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement on Monday that the crisis stems from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to stop receiving 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.”
The ADC said the situation puts it in a difficult position and opens the door to forced non-compliance that could be used to bar it from fielding candidates.
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 urged the Commission to reverse its decision, resume receiving its correspondence, and uphold its constitutional duty to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
On April 1st, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced it had delisted prominent African Democratic Congress figures, including Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from its records.
The Commission, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the move was in compliance with a court order directing it to preserve the status quo pending the final judgment of the trial court.
The party has been grappling with a prolonged leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in July. The dispute originated from disagreements over the tenure of the former chairman, Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022.
While Nwosu was said to support the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, maintained that he should assume the role of acting chairman after Nwosu’s exit.
The situation escalated as rival factions struggled for control, leading to multiple legal battles at the Appeal and Supreme Courts and raising concerns about the party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
However, addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on April 2nd, Mark maintained that party activities, including congresses, would continue as scheduled, describing INEC’s action as unlawful.
