ADC convention dispute has intensified after the African Democratic Congress affirmed its national convention as valid, while its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for failing to monitor the exercise.
The African Democratic Congress has recently undergone internal restructuring, including leadership changes and reorganisation of party structures. These developments come as political parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is mandated by law to monitor political party conventions and congresses to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act. However, ongoing litigation and internal disputes within parties have sometimes influenced the commission’s level of engagement.
Speaking at the convention in Abuja, Aregbesola stated that the ADC convention dispute arose despite the party complying with all statutory requirements.
He explained that decisions taken at a prior National Executive Committee meeting, including the dissolution of the former National Working Committee and the appointment of new executives, were duly communicated to INEC.
“The approval of the various committees… and the new executives of the party were all administered the oath of office by competent authorities,” he said.
Aregbesola added that the party fulfilled its legal obligation by issuing the required 21-day notice ahead of the convention.
“The ADC gave INEC the required 21 days’ notice… As a party, we have discharged the responsibility required of us,” he stated. He argued that INEC’s absence from the convention constituted a failure to carry out its statutory duty.
“The duty of attending and monitoring congresses and conventions of political parties is… mandatory and not discretionary,” he said. Aregbesola further described the development as an “abdication of responsibility,” warning that it could undermine confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC convention dispute highlights ongoing tensions between political parties and electoral authorities over the interpretation of legal obligations under the Electoral Act.
It raises broader concerns about regulatory consistency, especially in situations where party activities intersect with ongoing court cases or internal leadership conflicts.
The disagreement also reflects the growing importance of institutional credibility as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
