National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rauf Aregbesola has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining the party’s national convention.
Mr Aregbesola made the allegation on Tuesday at the party’s convention in Abuja.
He said INEC’s refusal to monitor the exercise had no legal basis and went against the provisions of the Electoral Act.
According to him, the party met all requirements under Section 82 of the law, including giving the commission notice of the convention.
“The only condition under which a convention can be invalidated is failure to notify INEC. We have complied fully with the law. Therefore, INEC has no legitimate grounds to refuse monitoring,” he said.
He said the party wrote to INEC on March 16 and the letter was acknowledged on March 17, adding that this met the 21-day notice required by law.
Aregbesola also said a ruling by the Court of Appeal did not stop INEC from monitoring the convention.
He accused the commission of misinterpreting the judgement.
He said the decision could affect the political process and alleged that INEC was acting in a way that could weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“There is no other legitimate ground that INEC can rely on to refuse monitoring our convention,” he said.
Aregbesola said a strong opposition is necessary for democracy.
“Democracy without opposition is autocracy,” he said.
He also announced that the party is planning a multi-party summit ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the meeting would involve other political parties and aim to build cooperation among opposition groups.
According to him, consultations are ongoing with parties that share similar goals.
He said the party is also carrying out internal activities, including a review of its constitution and membership registration.
Aregbesola called on the public and other stakeholders to monitor developments in the political space.
