The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing fresh hurdles as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that the party is yet to comply with the extant rules required for the formal recognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as its National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.
The lack of compliance, INEC stated, renders all official documents and communications bearing their signatures null and void until the process is completed.
Speaking with The Guardian, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said:
“Ask ADC if they have truly complied with all the requirements. They visited the Commission recently, and we told them what the problem was. They are aware. Please get in touch with Bolaji Abdullahi, their spokesperson, who was part of the delegation. He ought to have briefed journalists about their visit and what transpired.”
On the implications for ADC candidates in upcoming elections, Oyekanmi said: “I believe the party will comply with extant rules. Once they do, they won’t have any problem.”
Although INEC did not specify the outstanding requirements, The Guardian gathered that ADC is expected to submit sample signatures of the National Chairman and National Secretary, along with other documentation in line with its constitution.
INEC regulations require political parties to submit detailed resolutions, verified signatures of authorised officials, and evidence of adherence to constitutional procedures before any leadership change can be recognised.
Reacting to the development, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the delay was “largely administrative” and confirmed that the party made the required submissions to INEC last Thursday.
“We have had clarity now, and we made the required submission to INEC last Thursday. We are hopeful that everything will be resolved in the coming week,” he said.
The party has repeatedly accused unnamed individuals of attempts to frustrate its growth ahead of the 2027 general elections and other off-cycle polls.
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