INEC’s refusal to monitor convention shows partisan bias – ADC

By Lawrence Agbo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of partisan conduct, saying the commission’s refusal to monitor its eighth National Convention in Abuja amounts to a serious breach of democratic responsibility.

In its secretariat report presented Tuesday by National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola at the party’s convention, the ADC said INEC failed in its statutory duty by declining to observe the gathering, describing the action as clear evidence of institutional bias.

According to the party, the Electoral Act mandates INEC to monitor political party conventions, especially those involving leadership decisions, candidate nominations, and merger processes.

The ADC argued that the commission’s absence raises concerns about fairness in Nigeria’s democratic process and suggests an attempt to delegitimise opposition activities.

The party warned that such actions threaten electoral accountability and weaken public trust in institutions meant to safeguard democracy.

Beyond INEC, the ADC also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democratic norms and worsening economic hardship across the country.

It cited rising fuel prices, worsening electricity supply, naira depreciation, and increasing poverty as evidence of governance failure under the current administration.

Despite the dispute, the ADC declared itself an “unstoppable force,” insisting that no institution or political actor can obstruct its emergence as a major opposition movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.