A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, of making misleading remarks about the party’s planned congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 elections.
Okonkwo made the allegation in a statement posted on his X account on Friday while reacting to comments attributed to Amupitan during an interview on Arise News. In the interview, the INEC chairman reportedly warned that the ADC could face consequences similar to past electoral disputes in Zamfara State and Rivers State if it proceeded with internal party activities without complying with court directives.
INEC had earlier removed the names of former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively, and suspended recognition of all factions within the party pending the outcome of a suit before the Federal High Court.
The commission also stated it would not monitor any conventions or congresses organized by the party’s rival factions until the court determines the leadership dispute.
Responding, Okonkwo rejected comparisons with the situations in Zamfara and Rivers States, arguing that those cases involved disobedience to court orders rather than directives from INEC.
He maintained that no court had barred the ADC from conducting its congresses or primaries and said the party had complied with the requirement to notify INEC at least 21 days before such activities.
According to him, INEC’s role in party congresses and primaries is limited to observation and does not extend to regulating or stopping internal party processes.
Okonkwo further alleged that the electoral body’s position could affect the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, while also claiming that the ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC was unrelated to its planned congresses and primaries.
He also accused unnamed actors of attempting to influence the party’s internal affairs, insisting that the ADC would proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention despite the ongoing litigation.
