The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the stance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that the ADC had already fulfilled the requirement by issuing INEC a 21-day notice ahead of the scheduled activities.
“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice. They have accepted the notice. So whether they come or not, we’ll continue with our congresses. And we will go on with our convention,” Abdullahi said.
His remarks come in response to INEC’s earlier announcement that it would no longer recognise factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following its review of a Court of Appeal judgment.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi alleged that the commission’s stance was influenced by pressure from the federal government, accusing it of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further criticised INEC’s proposed voter revalidation exercise, describing it as poorly timed and potentially disruptive to the electoral process.
“Today, INEC has been bamboozled. INEC has been intimidated. INEC has succumbed to intimidation and they are determined to coronet President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
“When we keep saying that there’s a plan to make President Bola Tinubu the only candidate on the ballot in 2027, people think we’re being hysteric. They think we’re just banding conspiracy theory.”
Abdullahi argued that requiring voters to revalidate their voter cards close to an election would create unnecessary confusion.
“Getting people to register to vote is difficult enough. Asking every single person that has a voter card to go back to their polling units to revalidate those cards a few months to the election is just plain anarchy,” he added.
He warned that the unfolding developments signal deeper concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and urged citizens to remain vigilant as political events continue to evolve.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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