…Warns of Democratic Backslide
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it describes as an unlawful refusal to monitor its scheduled national convention, calling the move a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the ongoing party congress in Abuja Tuesday, Rauf Aregbesola expressed deep concern over the action of the INEC , insisting that the ADC had fully complied with all legal requirements.
“It will be recalled that INEC issued a public notice on the 7th of March. In full compliance with the law, and within the stipulated timeframe, the ADC, on the 17th of March, duly met all conditions required under Section 82 (1) and (2) by formally notifying the Commission of its planned convention,” Aregbesola stated.
He added that the party went further to submit a second letter confirming that all conditions had been satisfied, with proper endorsements from the appropriate party authorities.
“Despite this, INEC has failed and/or refused to carry out its statutory duty of monitoring the convention. We state unequivocally that there is no legitimate legal ground upon which INEC can base such refusal, except by acting outside the bounds of the law,” he said.
Aregbesola also dismissed any justification tied to a Court of Appeal judgment, stressing that it does not restrain INEC from monitoring the convention.
“Any reliance on the judgment of the Court of Appeal—which does not in any way restrain INEC from attending or monitoring the ADC convention—amounts to the Commission assuming the role of a court of law, which is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” he declared.
Reaffirming the party’s legal standing, he emphasized that the ADC remains fully recognized under Nigerian law and retains all rights to operate.
“ADC remains a duly registered political party in Nigeria. The party maintains valid membership and structures from the polling unit to the national level. ADC has not been proscribed by any law or court order,” Aregbesola said.
He warned that INEC’s current posture gives the impression that the party is being treated as though it does not exist.
“The current posture of INEC suggests an attempt to treat the ADC as though it has been proscribed or does not exist. This is false, unconstitutional, and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
Aregbesola further raised concerns about what he described as a broader attempt to weaken opposition politics and tilt the democratic playing field.
“We are seriously concerned that such actions may be part of a broader effort to undermine the ADC and weaken democratic competition, thereby creating an unfair political advantage for others,” he noted.
He called on INEC to immediately reverse its unlawful and uphold its constitutional responsibilities.
“The ADC calls on INEC to immediately reverse its position, uphold the rule of law, and discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities without bias. Failure to do so will leave the party with no option but to seek appropriate legal redress,” Aregbesola warned.
