The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could prevent the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The party said the electoral body’s refusal to receive its correspondence may effectively shut it out of the electoral process.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern that INEC’s current position could make it impossible for the ADC to meet key legal requirements ahead of the elections.
According to the party, by declining to accept its communications, the commission is hindering its ability to comply with statutory obligations, including the 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines set by the Electoral Act.
“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,” the statement said.
The ADC also stated that available records show that INEC had previously monitored and recognised its leadership structure.
According to the party, the commission attended and documented its National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, after which its records were updated to reflect the leadership of 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 party said.
The party warned that the commission’s refusal to accept correspondence from the ADC could prevent it from meeting the May 10 deadline set by INEC for the submission of necessary documents.
“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.
“The Electoral Act imposes strict timelines on political parties, including the 21-day notice requirement and submission deadlines.
“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,” the party said.
The ADC said the situation places the party in what it described as an “impossible position.”
“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 statement added.
The party urged the electoral commission to reverse its stance and resume accepting lawful correspondence from the ADC.
“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,” it said.
The party also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to undermine democracy.
“We also call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and wary of what we consider dangerous machinations to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and impose a civilian dictatorship on the country,” the ADC added.