2026: We’ll Not Be Derailed by INEC Derecognition — ADC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its determination to participate in the 2027 general election, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) derecognition of its leadership will not derail its plans.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed confidence that the ADC would overcome its current challenges.
“One thing I can guarantee is that we will contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform,” he said.
The party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis after INEC withdrew recognition of its factions over a subsisting court order. Despite this, Abdullahi maintained that the party still trusts the judiciary.
“Regardless of what has happened in Nigeria, we still have confidence in the judiciary. We believe we have a slam-dunk case… While we are hoping for the best, we are also preparing for the worst,” he stated.
Abdullahi added that the party had followed legal procedures by notifying INEC ahead of its planned congresses.
“If the same INEC that swore in an affidavit that it was aware of the leadership change in the ADC is now turning around to say what they are saying, they are not going to stop us,” he said.
He stressed that the ADC would not withdraw from the electoral process, warning that doing so would undermine democratic principles.
“We are not going to boycott. Like I said, to boycott is to surrender. I mean, you boycott, you make headlines — then what?” Abdullahi said.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties in pursuit of a one-party system.
“We in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are saying that Nigeria will not become a one-party state in our generation. We will do everything within the law to resist it,” he said.
Abdullahi further alleged that the ruling party aims to dominate the political space ahead of 2027.
“They want a situation whereby when we arrive in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the only viable contestant,” he added.
Despite the ongoing crisis, he said the party remains committed to contesting the election, carrying the hopes of Nigerians seeking political alternatives.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
