Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising concerns that the regulatory body’s decisions could impact electoral transparency ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The commission’s recent actions followed conflicting claims to the party’s top administrative positions. INEC removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. The electoral regulator also declined to recognize aspirant Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking formal appointment through litigation, and suspended recognition of all party factions. According to INEC, these measures will remain in effect pending a substantive ruling from the Federal High Court. During this period, the commission stated it will not monitor conventions or internal congresses organized by competing groups.
In a post on X, Effiong questioned the basis for the commission’s administrative steps. He noted that available information indicates former party executives had resigned to clear the path for new leadership under Mark and Aregbesola, a transition subsequently ratified by the ADC National Executive Committee. Effiong emphasized that internal political party conflicts in Nigeria have traditionally been managed without external judicial intervention. He also referenced a Court of Appeal directive instructing the party to maintain the status quo, questioning whether that order effectively creates an operational void within the organization until litigation concludes.
Addressing the broader electoral environment, the legal practitioner suggested the commission’s approach could weaken opposition capacity. “Whose script is this INEC playing?” Effiong wrote. He pointed to concerns among political observers that the ruling party, which controls over thirty state governorships, may prefer limited electoral competition. “If it is the desire of INEC for Bola Tinubu to contest as a sole candidate – unopposed, in 2027, let the Commission say so publicly. It will save the country the billions of Naira budgeted for the ‘presidential election,’” he stated.
The ADC leadership impasse remains under judicial review, with all formal recognition and monitoring activities suspended. Legal proceedings at the Federal High Court will ultimately determine the party’s official administration, a ruling that will shape its organizational capacity and candidate nomination processes as Nigeria advances toward the next electoral cycle.
