By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has remained silent amid mounting allegations from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it is deliberately obstructing the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The ADC accused the electoral body of creating “administrative landmines” by refusing to accept official correspondence from the party pending a court ruling on its leadership dispute. This stance, the party argued, contradicts timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act and could effectively exclude it from the electoral process.
Tensions escalated as the ADC youth wing issued a 72-hour ultimatum to INEC to reverse its decision and recognise the Senator David Mark-led leadership. The group warned that failure to comply would trigger nationwide protests and demands for the removal of the INEC chairman.
At the same time, the media office of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, alleged a coordinated plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to prevent him from contesting in 2027. The camp claimed that internal crises within opposition parties were being orchestrated to weaken his chances.
However, the APC, through an aide to its National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, dismissed the allegations, insisting the party had no involvement in Obi’s political challenges and urging him to resolve internal party issues.
In a detailed statement, the ADC maintained that INEC had previously monitored, documented, and recognised its leadership structure, including the emergence of David Mark as chairman. It described the commission’s current position as contradictory and capable of forcing the party into “artificial non-compliance” with electoral guidelines.
Civil society groups have also weighed in. The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) warned that INEC’s actions could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The ADC youth wing further cautioned against any attempt to weaken opposition parties, insisting that Nigeria must not slide into a one-party system. They called on the National Assembly and judiciary to intervene, while urging the military to remain neutral in what they described as a purely constitutional matter.