The raging controversy over INEC’s de-recognition of ADC leadership is an ill wind that blows no one any good. It is not good for INEC to kick-start the onerous task of conducting the 2027 general elections on an acrimonious note. INEC should maintain decorum and eschew being seen to be biased or compromised.
As legendary Nelson Mandela once noted that election in Nigeria is war, INEC should strive not to ignite the war by untoward actions and decisions, because the consequences would be devastating. There is already tension and instability in the country caused by insecurity; adding election crises to it could spell doom for Nigeria.
The emergence of a third faction in ADC contending for the same leadership shows that some forces are manipulating and probably using moles in ADC to de-stabilize the party. Add this to the statement by the Lagos State chapter of the APC that ‘heavens will not fall if the ADC and the PDP were not on the ballot in the 2027 polls.’
There is no way INEC would organize the 2027 elections without the opposition. That would be invitation to chaos. Those who love Nigeria should join hands to resolve the brewing crisis before it is too late.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned INEC to reverse its decision, citing concerns over the potential impact on Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of the electoral process.
According to reports, a deepening leadership crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has exposed deep divisions within the party, with rival factions trading accusations over legitimacy, court orders and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a dispute that could shape the 2027 general elections.
At the centre of the standoff are conflicting interpretations of a Court of Appeal directive on maintaining the status quo, as well as competing claims to the party’s national leadership.
A chieftain of the party and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, alleged that there is a deliberate plot to destabilize the ADC, warning that external forces may be seeking to truncate the party ahead of 2027.
He said it is very ridiculous for a man…to go to court to challenge the leadership of ADC, arguing that one of the figures behind the challenge had earlier resigned from the party. He maintained that INEC’s recognition of the leadership led by the former Senate President, David Mark, remains valid.
The ADC leadership, led by David Mark, argues that INEC’s interpretation of the court order is flawed and that the commission has overstepped its authority. They claimed that the party’s leadership was dully recognized and that INEC’s action is an attempt to undermine the party’s internal processes.
The dispute has led to accusations of bias and partisanship against INEC, with some alleging that the commission is working to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has vowed to proceed with its congresses and national convention, despite INEC’s decision.
The INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership has significant implications for the party. The commission’s action is based on a Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo, pending the resolution of the leadership dispute case.
The implications include leadership uncertainty: The ADC is left without a recognized leadership, creating uncertainty and potential instability within the party.
Electoral changes: INEC’s decision may impact the ADC’s ability to participate in the 2027 elections, potentially weakening the opposition.
Court battle: The dispute is likely to continue in court, with the ADC accusing INEC of overstepping its authority and bias.
INEC’s decision also has implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. The move has sparked concerns about the electoral commission’s neutrality and potential bias towards the ruling party.
The ADC’s leadership crises may lead to internal conflicts, potentially weakening the party’s chances in the 2027 elections
Electoral challenges: INEC’s decision may impact the ADC’s ability to participate in the elections, altering the political landscape and potentially favoring the ruling party.
Credibility crises: The move has raised concerns about INEC’s credibility and impartiality, potentially eroding public trust in the electoral process.
Furthermore, there are implications for the opposition. The ADC’s future is uncertain, and the party’s ability to participate in the 2027 elections is at risk.
Electoral challenges: INEC’s decision may impact the ADC’s ability to field candidates, potentially weakening the opposition.
As things stand, the North seems divided about the leadership crisis in the ADC. Some leaders, like former Senate President David Mark, believe that the crisis is engineered to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Mark has accused the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) of orchestrating the crisis to undermine the ADC’s growing influence in the north.
Some Northern leaders, like Babachir Lawal, have expressed support for the ADC, stating that the party is the preferred platform for defending northern interests. The Northern Political Consultative Group (NPCG), a coalition of northern leaders, has also adopted the ADC as its preferred platform to challenge the APC in 2027.
Public affairs analyst Mahmud Jega has warned that the crisis is being engineered to destroy the ADC, and INEC should be careful not to be part of the scheme.
Other opposition parties are reacting cautiously to the ADC’s leadership crisis. Some opposition leaders are considering alternative platforms, such as the Action Peoples Party (APP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC), if the ADC’s internal crisis is not resolved. The Labour Party’s leadership tussle is also ongoing, with some chieftains alleging external interference from the ruling party.
The ADC’s crisis has sparked concerns about the oppositions preparedness for the 2027 elections, with some analysts arguing that the party’s internal divisions may weaken its chances against the ruling APC.
The ruling APC is indeed positioning itself to dominate the 2027 elections in Nigeria. The party has been consolidating its power, with many opposition politicians defecting to the APC, including governors, lawmakers, and influential grassroots mobilizers.
This trend has raised concerns among analysts that the opposition parties, such as the PDP and the Labour Party (LP), may struggle to mount a credible challenge against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 without forming a broad-based alliance.
The APC’s strategy appears to be focused on weakening the opposition, with allegations of party infiltration, internal divisions, and coercion of opposition members to join the ruling party.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has even declared that no opposition party will take control of the state or Nigeria in 2027, expressing confidence in the APC’s victory.
Nevertheless, the ADC is pushing forward with its plan despite the INEC withdrawing recognition of the party’s leadership. The ADC has fixed dates for its internal processes: Congresses: April 9 to 12; National convention: April 14; Primaries: April 23 to May 30; Submission of membership register: May 10.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, has stated that the ADC will proceed with its planned activities, despite INEC’s warning of possible legal consequences. The party is seeking to become a credible opposition to the ruling APC in the 2027 elections.
INEC should prioritize maintaining its independence and impartiality. Given the ADC’s internal crisis, INEC should clarify its stance, enforce electoral laws and engage stakeholders.
Ultimately, INEC’s actions will be crucial in determining the credibility and transparency of the 2027 elections.
Dr. Onyekakeyah, a former member of The Guardian Editorial Board, is a public affairs commentator and Daily Query columnist.
