ADC: We’ll defy INEC, proceed with conventions

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its leadership crisis.

Speaking on Arise TV, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC has already fulfilled the legal requirement by notifying INEC of its plans.

“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice. They have accepted the notice. So whether they come or not, we’ll continue with our congresses. And we will go on with our convention,” he said.

INEC had earlier announced it would no longer recognise the factions of the party led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala, following its review of a Court of Appeal judgment.

Reacting, Abdullahi accused the electoral body of acting under pressure from the federal government, alleging a broader attempt to weaken opposition voices.

According to him, there are moves to tilt the political landscape in favour of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The government has panicked from the opposition momentum despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule,” he said.

He also criticised INEC’s proposed voter revalidation exercise, describing it as unrealistic and capable of creating confusion close to an election period.

“Getting people to register is already difficult. Asking every voter to revalidate their cards months to the election is plain anarchy. All this points to INEC trying to create chaos,” Abdullahi added.

He warned that recent developments should concern Nigerians, saying the country’s democracy is showing worrying signs.