“INEC’s Derecognition Plot Aimed at Blocking Our 2027 Candidates” — ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that its recent derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aimed at preventing the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Monday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC’s actions — including its refusal to accept official correspondence from the party — could effectively exclude the ADC from the electoral process.

The dispute follows internal leadership tensions within the party that began in July 2025, when a coalition assumed control of its structure. The development led to competing claims over leadership, with Nafiu Bala contesting the appointment of David Mark as national chairman.

INEC last week announced it would no longer recognise either faction and would suspend engagement with both sides. The commission cited a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal and said it would avoid involvement in party activities pending a decision by the Federal High Court.

However, Abdullahi argued that INEC’s stance contradicts its own election timetable and provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. He said the refusal to receive party communications undermines the ADC’s ability to meet statutory deadlines required for participation in the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, INEC had previously acknowledged the party’s leadership changes by monitoring its National Executive Committee meeting in July 2025 and updating internal records to reflect new officials, including Mark as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.

The ADC further cited court filings in which INEC reportedly maintained that internal party matters are beyond judicial interference and that completed actions cannot be reversed by injunction.

The party warned that the commission’s current position places it in a situation where compliance with electoral deadlines may become impossible. INEC has set May 10 as a key deadline for submission of required documents ahead of the elections.

Abdullahi called on the commission to reverse its decision and resume engagement with the party, stating that equal conditions must be maintained for all political parties participating in the 2027 polls.