2027: ADC alleges plot to block participation in elections

It also said the documents provide a consistent account of events surrounding its leadership transition, noting, “These are not claims. They are facts contained in INEC’s own records.”

According to ADC, INEC received formal notice of its National Executive Committee meeting held on July 29, 2025, monitored the proceedings, and subsequently updated its records to reflect the emergence of new leadership, including Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

The party further cited INEC’s affidavit before the Federal High Court in response to a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe on September 12, 2025.

It said the affidavit affirmed that the leadership transition had been completed and recognised, that internal party matters fall outside judicial interference, and that completed actions cannot be reversed by injunction, while also recognising the Mark-led National Working Committee.

Despite this, the ADC said INEC has now taken a position that it will no longer receive correspondence from the party pending the determination of the matter before the Federal High Court.

“This is where the contradiction becomes dangerous,” it pointed out.

The party argued that the development could hinder its ability to comply with provisions of the Electoral Act, which stipulate timelines for political parties, including a 21-day notice requirement and deadlines for submission of documents.

It noted that INEC set May 10 as the deadline for submissions, but is simultaneously refusing to receive communication from the party.

“In simple terms, INEC is effectively threatening that unless the courts deliver judgment on the ADC leadership issue by May 10, it will prevent the ADC from producing candidates,” it stated

The ADC said this places the party in a difficult position and creates a scenario that could lead to its exclusion from participating in elections.

“This places the ADC in an impossible position and creates a clear pathway to artificial non-compliance, which can then be used to justify excluding the Party from fielding candidates. That is the landmine,” Abdullahi said.

The party also rejected INEC’s explanation that its decision was intended to avoid interfering with ongoing court proceedings, stating, “By intervening in a matter already before the court and issuing a pronouncement with clear legal and operational consequences, the Commission has itself undermined the very process it claims to protect.”

The ADC further said INEC’s current position contradicts its earlier actions and legal stance: “The same Commission that monitored, documented, recognized, and swore to an affidavit confirming the ADC leadership is now acting in a way that contradicts its earlier position,” the party added.

The party also called on the electoral body to reverse its decision and resume accepting its correspondence.

“We therefore call on the Commission to immediately reverse this position, resume the acceptance of all lawful correspondence from the ADC, and uphold its constitutional responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties,” the statement added.

It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, stating, “We also call on Nigerians to be wary and remain vigilant about these dangerous machinations to subvert Nigeria’s democracy and impose a civilian dictatorship on the country.”