APC reacts to ADC crisis, says INEC can bar party from 2027 elections without consequences

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can legally bar the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from participating in the 2027 elections if the party fails to meet the required electoral conditions.

A spokesperson for the APC in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said the ruling party would not be alarmed if the ADC or any other political party is excluded from the ballot due to “non-compliance with electoral regulations.”

He argued that Nigeria’s electoral process is governed by law and that political parties must adhere strictly to constitutional and procedural requirements.

APC defends INEC’s authority

According to the statement, INEC, as the constitutionally empowered electoral body, has the authority to regulate party participation in elections to ensure credibility and order in the process.

Oladejo stressed that compliance with electoral rules is mandatory, adding that any party that fails to meet the stipulated conditions must face the consequences of its actions.

He also accused the ADC of internal disorder and blamed its leadership structure for its current challenges, describing the party’s situation as “self-inflicted.”

References to past election disputes

The APC spokesperson referenced previous electoral disputes involving his party, noting that the APC itself faced similar exclusions in past elections in states like Zamfara and Rivers due to internal party crises and issues with primaries.

He argued that such precedents demonstrate that electoral laws apply equally to all political parties, regardless of size or political influence.

The statement comes amid tensions between opposition parties and electoral authorities over concerns about party deregistration, leadership disputes, and compliance with INEC guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC had reportedly raised concerns that derecognition of its leaders could affect its ability to field candidates, a claim the APC dismissed as alarmist and unfounded.

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Oladejo maintained that democracy must be governed by institutional rules rather than sentiment, insisting that political parties must maintain discipline, cohesion, and due process to remain viable participants in the electoral system.