The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared its National Convention valid, despite the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while accusing the electoral umpire of a “deliberate abdication of duty” aimed at undermining the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the convention in Abuja on Tuesday, the party’s National Secretary, **Rauf Aregbesola**, delivered a scathing critique of INEC, suggesting that the commission’s refusal to monitor the exercise borders on “dangerous partisanship.”
‘A Mandatory Duty, Not Discretionary’
Addressing party faithful and observers, Aregbesola argued that INEC was served all statutory notices required by the Electoral Act, including a 21-day notice in December 2025 and a follow-up reminder received by the commission on March 13, 2026.
“The duty of attending and monitoring congresses and conventions of political parties is a mandatory one imposed on INEC by the Electoral Act,”Aregbesola stated. “It is mandatory and not discretionary. INEC’s failure to meet its lawful duty is hereby declared an abdication of responsibility and a breach of the law.”
Allegations of Partisanship
The ADC scribe further alleged that INEC’s absence might be a calculated attempt to clear the path for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“There is no other legitimate ground that INEC can rely on to refuse monitoring our convention, except if INEC is on a mission to destroy the ADC and pave the way for the APC to coast to victory without any serious challenge,” he said, adding that democracy without a robust opposition is merely “autocracy.”Internal Leadership Battle
Dismissing claims that the convention violated any court orders, Aregbesola insisted that the former National Working Committee (NWC) had been legally dissolved. He noted that the new leadership had already been recognized on INEC’s electronic portal following previous National Executive Council (NEC) meetings.
*“No member of the former NWC has any right or claim to any office thereafter. A dead horse cannot rise again,”* he declared.
### Eye on 2027 and Strategic Alliances
The convention, themed **”A Nigeria that Works for Freedom, Security, and Prosperity,”** served as a launching pad for the ADC’s 2027 ambitions. The party confirmed it is already in consultations with other major opposition parties, including the **PDP, SDP, and NNPP**, to form a formidable front against the incumbency.
Aregbesola called on the international community to monitor Nigeria’s democratic health, warning against the “coronation” of a single party.
*“So far, the ADC is the largest and most robust grassroots opposition political party in Nigeria, poised to defeat the APC in the next round of elections,”* he concluded.
