The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are at loggerheads over the party’s recent change of leadership.
While the ADC insists it has met all requirements for the transition, INEC has declined recognition, citing non-compliance with laid-down procedures.
As of Saturday, INEC’s official website still listed Chief Ralphs Nwosu as National Chairman and Said Abdullahi as National Secretary. Other listed national officers include Kelvin Alagoa (National Treasurer), Ifeyinwa Ntima (National Financial Secretary), and Barr. Ujunwa Onwuasoeze (National Legal Adviser).
Explaining the commission’s position, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, told Sunday PUNCH that the ADC had yet to fulfill all the conditions required for official recognition.
“They have not completed all the processes required for recognition. ADC is yet to provide the commission with sample signatures of the interim Chairman/Secretary,” she said.
According to INEC regulations, political parties must submit documented resolutions, verified signatures of authorised officials, and evidence of strict compliance with their constitutions before any leadership change is recognised.
The standoff leaves the party in uncertainty, with its new leadership battling for legitimacy and INEC maintaining its stance on due process.
