ADC says INEC’s refusal to accept its correspondence could prevent compliance with electoral timelines, risking exclusion...

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of orchestrating what it described as 'deliberate administrative landmines' aimed at preventing the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the electoral body’s recent actions could effectively exclude it from participating in the electoral process.

CBI News reports that at the centre of the controversy is INEC’s decision to stop accepting correspondence from the ADC pending the determination of a case before the Federal High Court.

While INEC has described the move as a procedural safeguard, the opposition party insists it poses a serious threat to its ability to meet statutory electoral requirements.

The party argued that provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 stipulate clear timelines for political activities, including a mandatory 21-day notice period and deadlines for submission of documents.

According to the ADC, INEC has already fixed May 10 as the deadline for such submissions.

It warned that by refusing to accept its communications within the stipulated timeframe, the commission is effectively blocking it from complying with the law.

“In simple terms, INEC is threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the party from producing candidates,” the statement read.

The party maintained that the situation places it in what it described as an “impossible position,” creating a pathway to “artificial non-compliance.”

It warned that such a scenario could later be used as justification to exclude the ADC from the 2027 elections.

Backing its claims with what it described as documentary evidence, the ADC said INEC had previously recognised its current leadership structure.

The party stated that the commission received formal notice of its July 29, 2025, National Executive Committee meeting, deployed officials to monitor the proceedings, and updated its records to reflect the emergence of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records,” the statement added.

The ADC further disclosed that INEC had, in a sworn affidavit filed before the Federal High Court in September 2025, affirmed that the party’s leadership transition had been completed and duly recognised.

It added that the commission had also indicated that such internal party matters fall outside the scope of judicial interference.

Despite this, the party accused INEC of adopting a contradictory stance by suspending engagement with it while still enforcing strict compliance deadlines.

INEC had justified its April 1 decision as a measure to avoid undermining ongoing court proceedings, but the ADC rejected the explanation.

According to the party, the move interferes with due process and creates “clear legal and operational consequences.”

The ADC called on the electoral body to immediately reverse its decision and resume normal engagement with the party.

“We urge the commission to resume 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.

The party also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that the situation reflects broader attempts to undermine democratic processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.