Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued a stern warning to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioning against proceeding with its planned national convention amid an ongoing legal dispute.
INEC stated that any faction of the party that goes ahead with a convention in defiance of subsisting court orders risks outright disqualification, a move that could significantly impact the party’s standing ahead of future elections.
The commission’s warning follows a directive by the Court of Appeal, which ordered all parties involved in the dispute to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter at the Federal High Court.
Reinforcing its position, INEC stressed that it will neither recognise nor monitor any convention, congress, or meeting convened by any faction of the ADC until the legal tussle is conclusively resolved. The commission emphasized that its actions are guided strictly by adherence to judicial pronouncements.
The crisis stems from a protracted leadership struggle within the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s leadership structure—an impasse that has triggered a series of legal battles and drawn court intervention.
Political observers warn that the escalating dispute could weaken the party’s internal cohesion and electoral prospects if not swiftly resolved. Meanwhile, INEC has urged all political actors to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could undermine judicial processes or compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The unfolding crisis underscores rising political tension across party lines as stakeholders begin early maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections.
