ADC to proceed with congresses, convention amid INEC dispute — Abdullahi
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has said the party will go ahead with its congresses and convention despite the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its leadership dispute.
Abdullahi spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Arise TV, noting that the party had already notified INEC of its planned activities. He maintained that the ADC would not be deterred by the commission’s stance.
He said the party had fulfilled all procedural requirements, including giving the electoral body the statutory notice ahead of the congresses and convention.
“So we are saying that we will go ahead with our congresses. We have given INEC 21 days’ notice. They have accepted the notice,” he said. “So whether they come or not, we’ll continue with our congresses. And we will go on with our convention.”
INEC had earlier announced that it would no longer recognise the factions of the ADC led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala after reviewing a Court of Appeal judgment. The commission said its decision followed an assessment of the ruling.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi alleged that INEC’s action was influenced by pressure from the federal government, accusing authorities of attempting to weaken opposition parties.
He further claimed that there were moves to manipulate the political process in favour of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, warning of a possible attempt to limit electoral competition.
Abdullahi also criticised INEC’s planned voter card revalidation exercise, describing it as unnecessary and capable of creating confusion, while urging Nigerians to pay close attention to developments affecting the country’s democracy.
