The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared it will go ahead with its planned congresses and national convention despite uncertainty over recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, as the party continues to grapple with an internal leadership dispute.
Abdullahi disclosed that the ADC had duly notified INEC of its planned activities, issuing the required 21-day notice, which the electoral body acknowledged.
He stressed that the party would not suspend its internal democratic processes regardless of INEC’s stance.
“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice and they have acknowledged it. Whether they attend or not, we will proceed with our congresses and convention,” he said.
His remarks come in the wake of INEC’s decision to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary from its official portal.
INEC also stated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to emerge as national chairman through a court process.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi warned of what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, cautioning against actions that could undermine political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“If this were a military regime, one could understand. But what we are seeing suggests that efforts are being made to make the 2027 election a fait accompli, leaving Nigerians with little or no choice,” he said.
He added that past experiences have shown the dangers of such developments, urging stakeholders to safeguard the country’s democratic process.
“We are all Nigerians, and we can see what is happening. Our democracy appears to be unravelling before our eyes,” Abdullahi stated.