ADC Defies INEC, Insists on Holding Congresses Amid Dispute Ahead of 2027 Elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State has declared that it will proceed with all scheduled party congresses and preparations for the 2027 general elections, despite an ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party leadership insists that recent developments will not derail its internal processes or long-term political plans.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, the state leader of the opposition party and former Minister of State for Education, Lawal Tukura, accused INEC of misinterpreting a Court of Appeal directive. He maintained that the party remains committed to its timetable, including its national convention slated for April 14.

Dispute Over Court Order and INEC’s Interpretation

Tukura alleged that INEC’s decision to remove the ADC leadership from its official portal stemmed from a misreading of a Court of Appeal ruling in a leadership dispute involving a party member, Naifi Ubala Gombe. According to him, the court had instructed all parties to maintain the “status quo ante bellum,” a directive he argued was wrongly applied by the electoral body.

He stated that INEC’s interpretation effectively suspended the entire leadership structure of the party, an action the ADC considers both unjustified and misleading. The party leadership believes this move could create confusion among members and the general public regarding its legitimacy and internal stability.

Despite the development, Tukura said the party’s national leadership, in consultation with its legal team, has resolved to challenge INEC’s decision in court. He expressed confidence that the judiciary would clarify the matter and overturn what the party views as an erroneous interpretation.

ADC Congresses and Convention to Proceed as Planned

Reaffirming the party’s stance, Tukura announced that all congresses—from polling unit to national level—would go ahead without interruption. He emphasised that the national convention scheduled for April 14 remains a key milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to him, the decision to proceed was reached after extensive deliberations at the national level, with party leaders agreeing that halting activities would be unnecessary given their confidence in the legal process. He stressed that continuing with the congresses would ensure organisational stability and readiness for future electoral contests.

The ADC leadership also signalled its determination to maintain momentum in mobilising members and strengthening party structures nationwide, positioning itself as a viable alternative in the next general elections.

Criticism of Federal Government Over Security Concerns

Beyond the internal dispute, the ADC used the opportunity to criticise the Federal Government over what it described as a failure to fulfil its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property. The party warned that inadequate security could lead to instability and weaken public confidence in governance.

It argued that security remains the foundation of any functional society, noting that without it, the risk of disorder and societal breakdown increases significantly. The party’s remarks reflect broader national concerns about safety and governance challenges.

Looking ahead, the ADC pledged to prioritise security if elected into office in 2027. It promised to implement policies aimed at creating a safer environment for citizens, positioning security as a central pillar of its political agenda.