INEC setting ‘landmines’ to exclude us from elections – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deploying what it described as “administrative landmines” aimed at preventing the party from fielding candidates in forthcoming elections.

In a press statement issued on Monday and signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, its national publicity secretary, the party said INEC’s decision to stop receiving correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court could undermine its ability to meet statutory electoral deadlines.

The party warned that the development, though seemingly procedural, creates a direct conflict with provisions of the Electoral Act which stipulate timelines for political parties to complete critical processes.

“At the heart of this emerging crisis is INEC’s stated position that it will no longer receive any correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a matter before the Federal High Court. On its face, this may appear procedural. In reality, it creates a direct and dangerous conflict with the clear timelines imposed by the Electoral Act (2026),” the statement read.

Citing documentary evidence, including what it described as certified INEC records, attendance logs and monitoring reports, the ADC insisted that the electoral body had previously recognised its current leadership structure.

“INEC received formal notice of the July 29, 2025 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC. It deployed officials to monitor that meeting. It 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,” the party said.

The ADC further argued that INEC’s current position contradicts its earlier legal stance, referencing an affidavit it said the Commission filed before the court.

“In addition, the Commission’s sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court… affirms key legal principles: that the leadership transition had already been completed and recognized… and also recognizes the David Mark-led NWC,” it stated.

The party expressed concern that INEC’s refusal to accept correspondence could make it impossible to comply with electoral requirements, including submission deadlines already set by the Commission.

“The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines on political parties… 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,” the statement added.

Warning of potential consequences, the ADC said: “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.”

The party described the situation as placing it in an “impossible position” and creating “a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance,” which could be used to exclude it from participating in the elections.

Responding to INEC’s claim that its actions were meant to preserve ongoing judicial proceedings, the ADC disagreed.

“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,” it said.

The party called on INEC to reverse its decision and resume engagement with it.

“We therefore call on the Commission to immediately reverse this position, resume the acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the ADC, and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties,” the statement said.

It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning of what it termed “dangerous machinations to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and impose a civilian dictatorship on the country.”