Aregbesola accuses INEC ADC convention interference, alleging electoral commission is undermining opposition party activities ahead of 2027 elections
National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining the party’s national convention held in Abuja.
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Rauf Aregbesola made the allegation on Tuesday during the party’s convention, insisting that INEC’s refusal to monitor the exercise had no legal justification and contradicted provisions of the Electoral Act.
He stated that the ADC had complied fully with Section 82 of the law, including issuing the required notice to the electoral body ahead of the convention.
According to Rauf Aregbesola, the party formally notified INEC on 16 March, with acknowledgment received on 17 March, which he said satisfied the mandatory 21-day notice requirement.
“The only condition under which a convention can be invalidated is failure to notify INEC. We have complied fully with the law,” he said, arguing that the commission had no valid grounds to decline monitoring.
Rauf Aregbesola also dismissed claims that a Court of Appeal ruling prevented INEC from observing the convention, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the judgment.
He warned that such actions could have wider implications for Nigeria’s democratic process, alleging that INEC’s posture could weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aregbesola stressed that a functional opposition is essential to democracy, stating that “democracy without opposition is autocracy.”
He further disclosed that the ADC is planning a multi-party summit ahead of the 2027 elections, aimed at fostering collaboration among opposition parties.
According to him, consultations are ongoing with like-minded political groups, while the party continues internal reforms including constitutional review and membership registration.
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The development adds to ongoing tensions between opposition parties and electoral authorities over election administration and compliance processes.
