By Our Correspondent
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned national convention, warning that doing so in defiance of an existing court order could have serious legal consequences.
According to the commission, there is a subsisting judicial directive linked to the party’s ongoing leadership dispute, which restricts any actions that may affect the subject of the litigation. INEC emphasized that organizing a convention under such circumstances could be interpreted as a violation of the court’s order.
The electoral body made it clear that while the party is not physically restrained from holding the convention, any decisions or outcomes arising from it may later be declared invalid. This includes the possible disqualification of candidates or party officials emerging from the disputed process.
The warning comes amid a deepening internal crisis within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. The conflict has led to multiple court cases, further complicating the party’s ability to carry out unified political activities.
INEC stressed that adherence to the rule of law is essential, urging all political parties to respect judicial processes to avoid jeopardizing their participation in future elections. The commission noted that ignoring legal directives could ultimately undermine the legitimacy of the party’s actions and its standing within Nigeria’s electoral system.
As the situation unfolds, the final determination will likely rest with the courts, whose rulings will shape the party’s leadership structure and its eligibility in upcoming electoral processes.
