INEC Under Scrutiny as ADC Leadership Crisis Threatens 2027 Stability

The Independent National Electoral Commission is facing mounting criticism after it derecognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

Prominent opposition figures and senior members of the ADC condemned the decision, accusing the commission of acting under the influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress. They also called for the removal of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan.

In response, INEC rejected the calls, stressing that its leadership and operations are protected by the Constitution. A statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, noted that the appointment and removal of the chairman and national commissioners are governed strictly by constitutional provisions.

INEC had earlier announced the delisting of key ADC figures, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. According to the commission, the move followed a court directive ordering it to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of an ongoing case.

The decision is tied to a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, which began in 2025 after disputes over the party’s National Working Committee. Rival factions have since taken the matter to court, creating uncertainty within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Addressing journalists, David Mark criticised INEC’s action, describing it as an attack on democratic rights such as freedom of association. He insisted that the party would continue its activities regardless of the commission’s stance and maintained that INEC’s presence is not legally required for internal party operations.

He also warned that the decision could undermine the party’s participation in upcoming elections, including those in Ekiti State and Osun State.

INEC maintained that its action was necessary to comply with a Court of Appeal judgment and to avoid legal complications seen in past electoral disputes in Zamfara State and Plateau State.

The commission emphasised that it would not interfere in internal party conflicts or be used to settle disputes that should be resolved within political parties or through the courts.

It also dismissed claims of bias or attempts to impose a one-party system, pointing to the recent recognition of new political parties as evidence of its neutrality.

INEC addressed concerns about its planned voter register revalidation exercise, describing it as a routine administrative process aimed at improving the accuracy of voter data. The commission said the exercise would help remove duplicate entries, update records, and ensure the integrity of the electoral system.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council urged INEC to handle the ADC crisis with caution, warning that missteps could erode public confidence in the electoral system. It also raised concerns about the timing of the voter revalidation exercise, noting that political parties are already dealing with multiple obligations.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party criticised the commission’s decision, alleging bias against opposition parties and warning of potential consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.

On the other hand, the APC, through its spokesperson Felix Morka, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the ADC’s problems are self-inflicted and not caused by external interference.

Security was tightened at INEC headquarters in Abuja as tensions rose over the controversy. Personnel from agencies including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army were deployed to maintain order.

Protests were also organised by supporters and groups aligned with different sides of the dispute, reflecting the growing political tension surrounding the issue.

Overall, the situation highlights deepening divisions within the ADC and growing concerns about the role of electoral institutions, as political actors position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.