2027: Babachir Lawal talks tough, says ADC will not listen to INEC

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has declared that the party will participate in the 2027 general elections regardless of the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to entrench a one-party system.

Lawal made the assertions on Wednesday while speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he alleged that the APC-led Federal Government is deliberately weakening opposition parties to retain power.

“They want a one-party system. Look, it is very clear, every Nigerian understands that this government cannot afford to go to an election in a free and fair manner because they will lose woefully,” Lawal said.

He maintained that the ADC remains confident of its electoral prospects, noting that the party has conducted internal assessments to support its position, though he declined to make such data public.

Responding to questions on whether the party had opinion polls to back its claims, Lawal said it does but described them as internal.

Tensions between the ADC and INEC have escalated in recent weeks following the commission’s decision to suspend recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee, as well as other factions within the party, pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.

INEC had also stated that it would not monitor the party’s congresses and national convention.

Despite this, the ADC proceeded with its congresses and held its national convention on Tuesday. Lawal described the exercise as a “success,” alleging that there were attempts to frustrate the process.

He dismissed INEC’s stance on the party’s activities, insisting that the commission does not have the final authority on the matter.

“We don’t listen to INEC. They are not the Appeal Court, they are not the Supreme Court, not even the High Court. So, INEC can say whatever they want to say. We are going to be on the ballot whatever INEC says; we are going to participate in this election,” he said.

Lawal further stated that while the ADC has what it takes to address Nigeria’s challenges, its immediate focus is on preventing the APC from retaining power in 2027.

“First thing first, we have the solution, we know we have the solution. The calibre of people we have in that party and the way we are running our democracy in our party is such that we believe we have the solution to the problem. But first thing first, stop this government from continuing with what they have started,” he said.

The ADC’s insistence on moving forward despite INEC’s position sets the stage for a potential legal and political showdown as preparations for the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.