ADC
ADC requests INEC deadline extension for primaries, cites legal crisis as disruption
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to grant it additional time to conduct its primary elections, even as it announced plans to release its primaries timetable within the week.
The party’s National Organising Secretary, Barrister Chinedu Idigo, spoke on Friday in Abuja, stressing that while preparations are ongoing, more time is needed to ensure credible and inclusive primaries across all elective positions.
Idigo explained that the party’s internal crisis and prolonged legal tussle significantly disrupted its schedule, leaving it with limited time to complete key pre-election activities.
He argued that fairness and democratic integrity require INEC to extend the deadline to accommodate the party.
“The prolonged legal battle cost us valuable time. It is only fair that INEC provides a window for the ADC to conduct credible primaries for all aspirants,” he said.
He revealed, however, that despite the setbacks, the party is pushing ahead with its internal processes and will unveil its primaries timetable within the week. “We are working round the clock, and we will be releasing our primary timetable within the week,” Idigo added.
According to him, INEC, as the regulator of the electoral process, has a responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all political parties, particularly those affected by circumstances beyond their control.
Idigo further disclosed that the ADC has recorded significant growth, with over four million Nigerians registered through its online membership platform. He described the figure as evidence of the party’s rising popularity and national spread. “As it stands today, the ADC is fast becoming one of the largest political platforms in Nigeria’s democratic history, given the massive influx of new members,” he said.
Idigo urged INEC to act in the spirit of justice and fair play by granting the requested extension without delay, warning that failure to do so could affect the party’s effective participation in the electoral process.
Despite the challenges, he maintained that the ADC remains determined to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that no obstacle would derail its ambition. “We are fully prepared to dislodge the APC, regardless of whatever stumbling blocks may be placed on our path to victory,” he said.
He also described the recent Supreme Court judgment restoring the party’s leadership as a major relief, noting that it has repositioned the ADC for greater stability and focus. “The Supreme Court judgment was a relief. However, we will not rest on our oars. We will continue to pursue policies that serve the best interests of Nigerians and work towards building a just and egalitarian society,” Idigo stated.
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