The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its decision to proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, despite objections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a timetable released on Friday and jointly signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC outlined a series of key activities.
Important Dates
According to the schedule, screening of aspirants will begin on April 7, followed by polling unit, ward, and local government congresses on April 9.
State congresses are slated for April 11, while the party’s national convention is expected to take place on April 14, 2026.
The party maintained that it has formally notified INEC of these activities, insisting that any attempts by the commission to halt the process are unlawful.
A Word From INEC
However, the Chairman of INEC, Joash Amupitan, has cautioned the ADC against going ahead with the planned events.
Speaking during an interview, Amupitan stated that the commission would not monitor the congresses or convention due to an existing court order linked to the party’s internal leadership dispute.
He emphasised that proceeding with the process before the court resolves the matter could render any outcomes invalid.
According to him, if candidates emerging from such disputed primaries go on to win elections, the courts could nullify those victories—potentially handing power to runners-up, as seen in previous electoral cases in Zamfara and Plateau states.
The situation underscores a growing tension between the ADC and the electoral body, with legal uncertainties looming over the party’s preparations for the upcoming election cycle.