INEC absence sparks fresh concerns at ADC convention

The National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) started under unclear and tense conditions at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja.

Reports say officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not present when the event was about to begin on Tuesday.

A correspondent from Arise News at the venue said the situation inside the hall was not properly organized, as many things were still being set up.

He said, “When we entered the main hall, we did not see any INEC officials. I tried to confirm, but there were none. Maybe they will come later.”

He also explained that preparations were still ongoing and everything seemed rushed.

“The place is still being arranged. They are trying to fix electricity, the hall is still dark, and the air conditioners are not working yet. For now, there are no INEC officials,” he added.

There has been tension around the convention, especially because of issues with the venue shortly before the event. There were claims that some government agents tried to stop the event centre from hosting the ADC gathering.

Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had raised concerns about a possible plan to withdraw the venue’s licence, which increased worries about political interference.

Also, some ADC members in the House of Representatives recently called for the removal and prosecution of the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

They accused the commission of being biased and interfering in the party’s internal matters ahead of the 2027 elections. However, INEC has denied these allegations.