The ADC vows to proceed with its 2027 electoral bid, undeterred by INEC.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is poised to participate in the 2027 general election, with its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, affirming that the party's plans will not be derailed by the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to derecognise its leadership.

n

Abdullahi expressed confidence in the party's ability to overcome its current challenges during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today on Tuesday.

n

He guaranteed that the party would contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform, stating "One thing I can guarantee is that we will contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform," and emphasizing the party's determination to move forward.

n

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following INEC's decision to withdraw recognition of its factions due to a subsisting court order, but Abdullahi maintained that the party still has faith in the judiciary.

n

Abdullahi stated "Regardless of what has happened in Nigeria, we still have confidence in the judiciary, and he believes the party has a strong case, saying "We believe we have a slam-dunk case… While we are hoping for the best, we are also preparing for the worst,".

n

The party has complied with legal requirements by notifying INEC ahead of its planned congresses, according to Abdullahi, who noted that INEC's actions would not hinder the party's progress.

n

He said "If the same INEC that swore in an affidavit that it was aware of the leadership change in the ADC is now turning around to say what they are saying, they are not going to stop us," emphasizing the party's resolve to continue with its plans.

n

Abdullahi stressed that the ADC would not withdraw from the electoral process, as doing so would undermine democratic principles, saying "We are not going to boycott, because to boycott is to surrender."

n

He further explained that boycotting the election would be futile, asking "I mean, you boycott, you make headlines — then what?", highlighting the party's commitment to participating in the electoral process.

n

Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties in pursuit of a one-party system, stating "We in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are saying that Nigeria will not become a one-party state in our generation."

n

The ADC spokesperson vowed that the party would resist this attempt, saying "We will do everything within the law to resist it," and emphasizing the party's determination to prevent a one-party system.

n

Abdullahi alleged that the ruling party is seeking to dominate the political space ahead of the next election, saying "They want a situation whereby when we arrive in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be the only viable contestant," and highlighting the party's concerns about the ruling party's intentions.

n

Despite the crisis, the ADC remains committed to contesting the election, with Abdullahi noting that the party carries the expectations of Nigerians seeking political alternatives.