African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious concerns over what it described as a developing situation capable of preventing the party from fielding candidates in upcoming elections, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of creating “landmines” that could undermine its participation.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Bolaji on Tuesday, the ADC said documentary evidence available to the party shows a clear pattern of recognition of its leadership by INEC, warning that the Commission’s recent position contradicts its earlier actions.
The party said: “We are compelled to raise serious concerns about a developing situation that appears designed to prevent the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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 also provided access to the documents, stating:
“View the records here: bit.ly/NafiuGombeCase”
ADC Cites INEC Monitoring and Recognition of Leadership
According to the statement, INEC received formal notice of the ADC National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, and deployed officials to monitor the proceedings.
The party further stated: “INEC received formal notice of the July 29, 2025 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ADC. It deployed officials to monitor that meeting. It documented the proceedings and received formal reports from its field officers. Following this, INEC updated its internal records and uploaded the names of the new leadership, including Senator 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 ADC further pointed to INEC’s affidavit before the Federal High Court in response to a case filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The statement read: “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.”
ADC Raises Concern Over INEC’s New Position
Despite what it described as clear documentary evidence, the ADC said INEC has now refused to accept correspondence from the party pending court determination.
The statement added:
“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 warned that this development could affect compliance with electoral timelines.
“The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines on political parties, including the 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines. INEC itself has fixed May 10 as the deadline for the submission of relevant 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.”
“Impossible Position” for ADC
The party further warned that the situation could exclude it from the electoral process.
“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.”
ADC Accuses INEC of Contradiction
The ADC also faulted INEC’s April 1 decision, stating that it undermines judicial proceedings.
“INEC has claimed that its April 1 decision was taken to avoid rendering the proceedings before the Federal High Court nugatory. The reality is the opposite. By intervening in a matter already before the court and issuing a pronouncement with clear legal and operational consequences, the Commission has itself undermined the very process it claims to protect.”
The party added: “What is even more concerning is that this position contradicts INEC’s own prior conduct and legal stance.
“The same Commission that monitored, documented, recognized, and swore to an affidavit confirming the ADC leadership is now acting in a way that contradicts its earlier position.”
ADC Calls for Immediate Reversal
The party called on INEC to reverse its decision and allow normal communication.
> “We therefore call on the Commission to immediately reverse this position, resume the acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the ADC, and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.”
The ADC also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.
> “We also call on Nigerians to be wary and remain vigilant about these dangerous machinations to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and impose a civilian dictatorship on the country.”