Election Tension: Aregbesola Accuses INEC Of Failing The Independent National Electoral Commission Mandate

The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress), Rauf Aregbesola, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) for its decision not to observe the party’s national convention, describing the move as a failure in its statutory duty.

He made the remarks during the ADC national convention held at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja.

The controversy follows INEC’s April 1 decision to withdraw recognition from rival factions within the party, citing an ongoing leadership dispute. The commission maintained that it would not engage with any faction due to a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of cases at the Federal High Court.

However, the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC rejected INEC’s position, accusing the commission of bias.

Speaking to party members, Aregbesola insisted that the ADC had met all legal requirements ahead of the convention and therefore saw no justification for INEC’s absence.

He argued that under the Electoral Act, failure to notify INEC would invalidate a party’s convention, but maintained that the ADC had fully complied with all necessary procedures.

According to him, the party had formally informed INEC of its plans, and the commission had acknowledged receipt of the communication. He further stated that the notification was delivered and confirmed on March 17.

Aregbesola accused INEC of neglecting its responsibility, saying its refusal to attend amounted to a dereliction of duty and suggested a partisan attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the party’s activities.

He also alleged that INEC’s actions appeared to be aimed at weakening the opposition and creating an advantage for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC scribe further argued that the Court of Appeal ruling being cited by INEC did not prevent the commission from monitoring party conventions, adding that the electoral body was overstepping its authority.

Reaffirming the party’s status, Aregbesola stressed that the ADC remains a legally registered political party with full structures nationwide and has not been proscribed by any court or law.

He concluded that the party is entitled to carry out its legitimate political activities and criticised what he described as INEC’s wrongful treatment of the ADC as though it were an illegal organisation.