The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has sharply criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its absence from the party’s ongoing convention, accusing the electoral body of neglecting its duty and acting in a manner he described as “illegal and criminal.”
Speaking at the event, Aregbesola stated that INEC had been formally notified of the convention as far back as 2025, yet chose not to attend or monitor the proceedings. He alleged that the decision to boycott the convention stemmed from an ongoing leadership crisis within the party, and accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the turmoil to weaken opposition forces.
The controversy follows INEC’s recent suspension of recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC as the party’s authentic authority. The move has sparked widespread outrage, with opposition leaders and supporters staging protests in Abuja to demand the commission’s impartiality and respect for internal party processes.
Aregbesola called on international bodies to intervene and support Nigerian opposition parties amid what he described as increasing political interference and institutional bias. He emphasised the need for a level playing field in the country’s democratic processes, warning that the erosion of trust in electoral institutions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability.
INEC has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations. The ADC convention continues amid heightened tensions, with delegates divided over the legitimacy of competing leadership claims. The outcome of the convention and INEC’s next steps are likely to have significant implications for the party’s role in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
Political analysts note that the crisis highlights broader challenges facing opposition parties in Nigeria, including internal divisions, state influence, and the critical role of electoral oversight bodies in maintaining democratic integrity.
