The National secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had no legal grounds to stay away from the party’s national convention.
He made this known on Tuesday at the ADC convention held at Rainbow Event Centre.
Before the convention, INEC and the faction led by David Mark had been at odds following the commission’s April 1 decision to withdraw recognition from factions within the party.
INEC said it would no longer deal with any faction or take part in their activities, citing a March 12 judgement of the Court of Appeal which ordered parties to maintain the status quo in the leadership dispute pending the outcome of cases before the Federal High Court.
The Mark-led group rejected the position, accusing the commission of bias and alleging it was siding with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
‘INEC Failed In Its Duty’
Aregbesola insisted that the ADC complied with all legal requirements, leaving INEC with no justification for its absence.
He said the party had fulfilled its obligations and that it was now the responsibility of the commission to attend and monitor the convention.
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According to him, INEC’s refusal amounts to a failure to carry out its statutory duty and reflects a partisan approach aimed at undermining the party’s activities.
Electoral Act Compliance
Citing provisions of the Electoral Act, Aregbesola said the only condition that can invalidate a party’s convention is failure to notify INEC as required by law.
He maintained that the ADC met all conditions, including submitting required documents and notifying the commission within the stipulated timeframe.
He said the party provided both soft and hard copies of its membership register and submitted details of committees for the convention, all within the legally required period.
‘No Justification For INEC’s Position’
Aregbesola added that the party formally notified INEC through letters signed by its leadership and acknowledged by the commission in March.
He argued that having met the notification requirement, there is no legal basis for INEC to refuse to monitor the convention.
He also dismissed INEC’s reliance on the appellate court ruling, saying it did not bar the commission from attending or monitoring the event.
ADC Rejects ‘Proscribed Party’ Treatment
The former Osun governor said the ADC remains a legally registered political party with structures across the country and has not been banned by any law or court order.
He accused INEC of treating the party as if it had been proscribed, describing the stance as unconstitutional and unjustified.
Aregbesola warned that the commission’s actions suggest an attempt to weaken the party and limit political competition.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
