ADC national connvention valid, INEC failed in dereliction of its duty – Aregbesola

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday declared its National Convention valid and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing in its statutory duty by not attending and monitoring the exercise, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the 2027 general elections.

The controversy centres on whether INEC’s absence amounted to a legal breach, or whether the party is overstating the implications of the commission’s role, with the ADC insisting that it fully complied with all legal requirements.

Speaking at the convention in Abuja, the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, defended the legitimacy of the process and dismissed claims that the exercise was flawed.

He said key decisions taken by the party, including the transition arrangements and leadership changes, were properly executed and administered under oath in the presence of party stakeholders.

“The approval of the various committees proposed by the outgoing NWC to support the Caretaker Committee during the transition period; the swearing-in of the Caretaker Committee; and the new executives of the party were all administered the oath of office by competent authorities at that NEC,” he said.

Aregbesola maintained that the process had already been communicated to INEC and acknowledged through prior submissions, including documentation of leadership changes.

He said the removal of the former National Working Committee followed due process, insisting that the new structure was binding and legitimate.

“No member, I repeat, no member of the former NWC of the ADC therefore has any right or claim to any office thereafter. A dead horse cannot rise again,” he said.

He further argued that INEC is legally obligated to attend and monitor political party congresses and conventions once properly notified, describing the responsibility as mandatory under the Electoral Act.

“The duty of attending and monitoring congresses and conventions of political parties is a mandatory one imposed on INEC by the Electoral Act… it is mandatory and not discretionary,” he said.

According to him, the ADC had fulfilled all notification requirements, including the statutory 21-day notice, and had submitted relevant documents ahead of the convention.

“As a party, we have discharged the responsibility required of us. At this point, it is the duty of INEC to discharge its own constitutionally and legally assigned responsibility,” he said.

Aregbesola went further to accuse INEC of dereliction of duty, describing its absence as a breach of law and warning of political implications.

“INEC’s failure to meet its lawful duty is hereby declared an abdication of responsibility and a breach of the law,” he said.

“The decision of INEC to refuse to attend and monitor our convention amounts to dereliction of duty, bordering on a dangerously partisan outlook aimed at unlawfully delegitimising the otherwise legitimate actions of our party,” he added.

He also alleged that INEC’s conduct could be interpreted as politically motivated.

“There is no other legitimate ground that INEC can rely on to refuse monitoring our convention, except if INEC is on a mission to destroy the ADC and pave the way for the APC to coast to victory without any serious challenge,” he said.

Aregbesola dismissed references to a Court of Appeal ruling as justification for INEC’s absence, insisting that no such directive barred monitoring.

He maintained that the ADC remains a registered political party with nationwide structures and legal standing.

“The ADC remains a registered political party. It has not been proscribed by any law in Nigeria or by any court order,” he said.

He also positioned the party as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, while calling for vigilance in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“Democracy without opposition is autocracy. Opposition is the institutional conscience of the republic. No coronation. No coronation in Nigeria,” he said.

The ADC further outlined ongoing internal reforms, including relocation to a new national secretariat, constitutional review processes, and nationwide mobilisation efforts launched earlier in 2026.

It also referenced its participation in recent elections, including the Anambra governorship and FCT area council polls, attributing losses to incumbency advantage and structural challenges.

The convention, themed “A Nigeria that works for freedom, security and prosperity,” ended with a call for unity and sustained political engagement ahead of 2027.

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