“INEC blocking our candidates from contesting 2027 elections” – ADC raises alarm

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking steps that could prevent the party from contesting the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Monday, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said the situation arose after INEC stopped receiving correspondence from the party pending the determination of a case before the federal high court.

Abdullahi said the development risks undermining the party’s ability to participate in the electoral process.

His words: “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.”

The party said INEC had previously received formal notice of its July 29, 2025 national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

According to the statement, the commission deployed officials to monitor the meeting and documented its proceedings.

The ADC said INEC subsequently updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the party’s new leadership.

It added that the update included David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.

The party said: “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 party said the decision places it in a difficult position regarding compliance with provisions of the electoral act.

According to the ADC, the law requires political parties to give a 21-day notice and meet strict deadlines for submission of 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,” the party stated.

The ADC urged INEC to reverse the decision and resume receiving its correspondence, while reminding the commission to uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.