The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized David Mark as the new National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Rauf Aregbesola as its National Secretary. This acknowledgment comes after the party complied with INEC’s guidelines for leadership changes, which were updated on the commission’s website on Wednesday.
Prior to this recognition, INEC had rejected the ADC’s new leadership due to non-compliance with the necessary guidelines. The commission’s validation of the party’s new leadership marks a significant development in the country’s political landscape.
In a separate development, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu expressed concerns over the early commencement of campaigns by political parties, citing it as a threat to democracy. Speaking at a roundtable discussion on the challenges of early political campaigns in Abuja, Yakubu noted that the trend violates the Electoral Act 2022. Section 94(1) of the act prohibits the commencement of campaigns earlier than 150 days before polling day.
Yakubu observed that political parties, candidates, and their supporters often engage in electioneering activities even before the Electoral Commission releases the timetable and schedule of activities for elections. This includes outdoor advertising, media campaigns, and rallies promoting various political parties and candidates. The INEC Chairman emphasized that these actions undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits, as large amounts of money are expended without effective monitoring.
Yakubu stressed that while the commission is expected to sanction defaulters, it is constrained by gaps in the legal framework. The Electoral Act 2022 does not provide for sanctions concerning breaches of early campaign rules. The INEC Chairman acknowledged that early campaigning is not a new issue but emphasized the need for deeper reflection on how to address it within the existing legal constraints.
As the National Assembly reviews the electoral laws, the INEC has invited the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters to consider actionable recommendations from experts. This development highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s electoral framework and ensure compliance with democratic principles. The recognition of the ADC’s new leadership and the concerns over early campaigning underscore the importance of adherence to electoral guidelines and the need for continued refinement of the electoral process.
