The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vowed to proceed with its planned congresses and national convention ahead of the 2027 elections, despite objections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party accused INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, of overstepping his authority and misinterpreting a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo.

At the heart of the disagreement is the interpretation of the court order. While INEC maintains that the directive requires the party to suspend its activities, the ADC insists that the ruling does not prevent it from carrying out lawful internal processes.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described INEC’s stance as a “wilful distortion” aimed at disrupting its operations.

“The preservation order is meant to prevent actions that could irreversibly affect the subject matter of litigation, not to paralyse the internal functioning of a political party,” the statement said.

The ADC further argued that only the courts—not INEC—have the authority to determine whether its activities violate any legal order.

Dismissing concerns that proceeding with its congresses could undermine ongoing court proceedings, the party maintained that its actions remain lawful and do not interfere with judicial processes.

“Democratic continuity within a political party is presumed under the law unless expressly restrained by a competent court,” it added, noting that no such restriction currently exists.

The party also rejected the notion that INEC’s participation is required for the validity of its internal activities, stressing that political parties have the constitutional right to organise their affairs independently.

Addressing internal disputes within its ranks, the ADC said such disagreements are common in politics and do not justify halting its activities.

It urged INEC to remain neutral and allow due process to take its course, warning against what it described as attempts to curtail constitutional rights based on speculative outcomes.

Reaffirming its position, the ADC declared that it would move forward with its congresses and convention in full compliance with the law, insisting that its right to operate as a political party must be respected.