The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of “playing April Fool” after the electoral body removed some of the party’s leaders; Senator David Mark as the National Chairman and his Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal.
The party, however, insisted that its planned congresses and national convention would still go ahead as scheduled.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed INEC’s move and maintained that the party had already complied with the necessary procedures.
Abdullahi stated that the ADC had issued the required 21-day notice to INEC for its congresses and convention, adding that the commission acknowledged receiving the notice.
According to him, the party would not suspend its internal processes regardless of the commission’s position.
“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice and they have acknowledged the notice. Whether they come or not, we will continue with our congresses and we will proceed with our convention,” Abdullahi said.
The controversy followed INEC’s decision to remove the names of the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from its online records.
INEC had also indicated that it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman of the party through the courts.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi warned that actions capable of restricting political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
He said the party remained determined to carry out its internal democratic processes regardless of whether INEC officials attend the activities or not.
