Political Tension Escalates As ADC Defies INEC With New Timetable

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has maintained that it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

In a timetable released on Friday, the party dismissed the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing its actions against the party as unlawful.

The timetable, jointly signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined key dates: screening of aspirants will begin on April 7, ward, local government, and polling unit congresses on April 9, state congresses on April 11, and the national convention on April 14, 2026.

The party also stated that INEC has been formally informed of the scheduled activities.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, has cautioned the ADC against proceeding with its plans, warning that the commission will not observe or monitor any such activities due to an existing court order.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Amupitan said that any steps taken by the party before a court ruling on its leadership dispute could be considered unlawful.

He further warned that if the ADC conducts primaries and any resulting elections are later invalidated by the court, the candidate with the next highest number of votes could be declared the winner, citing past cases in Zamfara and Plateau States as examples.