The African Democratic Congress on Monday in Abuja raised concerns that a directive by the Independent National Electoral Commission could stop it from presenting candidates in future elections, following the commission’s decision to halt communication with the party while a court case is ongoing.
The party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the issue began after INEC stopped receiving letters and documents from the party, pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court. He explained that this action has created a situation where the party may not be able to meet legal deadlines required under the Electoral Act.
According to him, the commission had earlier monitored a National Executive Committee meeting held by the party in July 2025, recorded its proceedings, and updated its records to reflect a new leadership led by David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. He said INEC also confirmed this position in a sworn affidavit submitted in court at the time.
He, however, noted that the current refusal by the commission to accept communication from the party now contradicts its earlier recognition of the same leadership. He added that this situation could prevent the party from fulfilling key requirements such as submitting documents and giving notices within the time set by law.
The party stated that INEC has already fixed May 10 as the deadline for submission of documents, but by refusing to receive correspondence, the commission is placing the party in a position where compliance may become impossible. It warned that such a situation could later be used as a reason to disqualify the party from fielding candidates.
The ADC also expressed worry that the commission’s action could affect the ongoing court process instead of protecting it, as claimed. It argued that the move introduces confusion into a matter that is already before the court.
The development is linked to a leadership crisis within the party that began in 2025, after a new leadership structure emerged. The dispute involved different factions, including one led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, and has since led to several legal battles.
The situation worsened after INEC removed the names of some party leaders from its records, saying it was acting in line with a court order to maintain the status quo until the case is decided.
Despite this, the faction led by Mark has continued its activities, insisting that the commission’s decision is not valid. The party has now called on INEC to reverse its directive and resume official dealings with it to ensure fairness in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.