ADC Rejects INEC Warning, Insists On Congresses And Convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pushed back against claims by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that its planned congresses and convention could violate a court order, insisting it will proceed with its internal processes.

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan had warned that moving ahead with such activities might breach a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo. However, the ADC described this interpretation as misleading and legally flawed.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused INEC of overstepping its authority and attempting to interfere in lawful party affairs. It maintained that no court order explicitly bars it from conducting congresses or a national convention.

The ADC argued that the directive to maintain the status quo is meant to preserve the subject of litigation, not to halt the routine functioning of a political party. It added that only the courts and not an administrative body can interpret such orders.

The party further insisted that internal disputes do not suspend constitutional rights or democratic processes, stressing that INEC’s role is limited to monitoring, not determining the validity of party activities.

Reaffirming its position, the ADC said it would continue with its planned congresses and convention in line with the law, while urging INEC to remain neutral and operate strictly within its constitutional mandate.