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ADC alleges INEC timetable targets opposition ahead of 2027 polls
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Party rejects tight deadline for digital membership register submission
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ADC warns requirement may exclude opposition from 2027 elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of introducing measures aimed at sidelining opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi made the allegation during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he criticised the requirement for political parties to submit fully digitalised national membership registers within a limited timeframe.
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Abdullahi said the party was not opposed to digital membership registration but described the timeline and conditions as a deliberate obstacle designed to disadvantage opposition parties.
According to him, the amended electoral framework now requires political parties to compile and submit detailed personal information of members — including National Identification Numbers, voter card details, passport photographs and phone numbers — within about 32 days.
He argued that gathering and transmitting such nationwide data within the stipulated period would be extremely difficult and could prevent opposition parties from meeting the requirements.
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Abdullahi warned that failure to submit the digital membership register could invalidate party congresses and conventions, making any candidates produced unacceptable to INEC.
He also explained that the ADC only began large-scale membership registration after opposition groups formed a coalition within the party in July 2025, noting that delays in leadership recognition slowed the process.
The ADC spokesman stressed that democracy requires fairness and equal opportunity for all political parties, warning against actions that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
He called on INEC to extend the April 2, 2026 deadline for submission of digital membership registers, saying additional time would improve compliance and strengthen participation in the electoral process.