Former INEC commissioner warns ADC against holding convention without approval in Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is navigating a legal tightrope after declaring plans to proceed with its national convention despite derecognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Former INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode, has cautioned the party against moving forward without explicit electoral body approval, noting that legitimacy hinges on INEC’s presence as an observer.

INEC’s Role Is Non-Negotiable

Speaking with PUNCH Online, Olurode emphasized that political parties in Nigeria are creations of the state, governed by the Constitution.

“It would be imprudent for the ADC to go ahead with its convention without INEC’s endorsement.

For legality to be conferred on the convention, INEC’s presence as an observer is mandatory,” he stated.

This underscores the regulatory framework that ensures political parties cannot unilaterally declare themselves legitimate.

Without INEC’s oversight, any convention or internal election may be considered invalid, leaving the party vulnerable to sanctions.

ADC’s Response and Political Position

Despite these warnings, the ADC has remained resolute.

During an appearance on Arise TV, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi reaffirmed that the party would not halt its activities.

Abdullahi insisted that due process had been followed internally, signaling the ADC’s intent to assert its autonomy amid the regulatory impasse.

However, Olurode highlighted that acting outside INEC’s recognition risks public perception issues.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Israeli children hum songs about drones as parents navigate daily life under constant conflict

Cathy Newman Covers Emotional Suicide Story and Bids Farewell at Channel 4 UK

Governor Seyi Makinde Presents Staff of Office to Newly Elevated Obas in Ibadanland Despite Chiefs Absence

Britain renames beloved breakfast favourite as EU labelling rules take effect

The ADC could be labeled unlawful or illegitimate, undermining its credibility in the eyes of voters and political analysts alike.

The Perils of Oppositional Politics

Olurode also offered insight into the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria.

He noted that both the judiciary and INEC are sometimes perceived as extensions of state power, which can complicate oppositional politics.

“The sphere of freedoms conceded to state organs is sometimes seen as academic rather than substantive.

The ADC must understand that oppositional politics is risky and can be challenging,” he said.

He urged ADC leaders to leverage their experience and resolve internal disputes swiftly, avoiding actions that could diminish the party’s public image.

The former commissioner warned that while opposition parties may attract sympathy, they must remain cautious not to provoke state overreach unnecessarily.

Impact and Consequences

Should the ADC proceed without INEC’s endorsement, several outcomes are possible:

• The convention could be deemed legally invalid.
• The party risks being classified as unlawful, potentially facing sanctions.
• Public perception may shift, casting the ADC as either a victim of state overreach or a party ignoring legal frameworks.
• Internal divisions could deepen if leadership disputes arise during an unrecognized convention.

This scenario also serves as a cautionary tale for other political parties about the importance of compliance with regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s electoral system.

What’s Next?

The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the ADC moves forward with its convention or seeks INEC recognition first.

Political analysts expect continued scrutiny from the media, civil society, and government institutions.

Olurode has urged the state to maintain political openness and competitiveness, warning against heavy-handed responses that could undermine democratic credibility.

Observers will also be watching how INEC responds and whether it enforces regulatory frameworks strictly or allows flexibility for the opposition party.

Summary

The ADC’s plan to proceed with its convention without INEC’s endorsement highlights the tension between regulatory oversight and political ambition in Nigeria.

While the party asserts its autonomy, legal experts like Prof. Olurode warn that skipping INEC’s validation risks invalidity, sanctions, and reputational damage.

The situation underscores the delicate balance of oppositional politics in the country.

Bulleted Takeaways

• ADC plans to hold a national convention despite being derecognized by INEC.
• Former INEC Commissioner Lai Olurode stresses that INEC observation is mandatory for legitimacy.
• Acting without electoral body endorsement risks legal sanctions and public perception issues.
• ADC leaders argue due process has been followed internally.
• Nigeria’s opposition politics are fraught with challenges, including perceptions of state influence over INEC and judiciary.
• Moving forward without recognition could classify the ADC as an unlawful organization.
• The state is urged to maintain political competitiveness and avoid overreaction.
• Internal leadership disputes within ADC could worsen if conventions proceed without oversight.
• Observers expect close monitoring from media, civil society, and political analysts.