—Obi alleges plot to deny him ballot access
—APC denies involvement
The Independent National Electoral Commission has remained silent amid allegations by the African Democratic Congress that it is deploying administrative tactics to prevent the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The commission also did not respond to a 72-hour ultimatum issued by ADC youths demanding the reversal of its refusal to recognise the party’s leadership led by David Mark, or risk nationwide protests.
The development coincided with fresh claims by allies of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who alleged a coordinated effort by the ruling All Progressives Congress to exclude him from the 2027 ballot.
However, the APC dismissed the allegation, insisting it had no involvement in Obi’s political challenges.
ADC alleges ‘administrative traps’
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused INEC of erecting “deliberate administrative barriers” aimed at frustrating its participation in the next general election.
The party specifically criticised INEC’s decision to suspend official communication with it pending the outcome of a court case, describing the move as contradictory to provisions of the Electoral Act which stipulate strict timelines for party activities.
According to the ADC, INEC had previously monitored and recognised its July 29, 2025 National Executive Committee meeting and subsequently acknowledged the leadership that emerged, including Mark as National Chairman.
The party argued that the commission’s latest position effectively places it in a situation where compliance with electoral timelines becomes impossible.
It warned that such actions could be used to justify excluding it from the electoral process, urging INEC to reverse its stance and ensure fairness for all political parties.
Obi raises alarm over 2027 ambitions
Meanwhile, Obi’s media office alleged that efforts to weaken his political standing had been ongoing since the 2023 elections.
In a statement by spokesman Ibrahim Umar, the former Anambra State governor claimed that internal crises within the Labour Party were deliberately instigated to undermine his chances.
The statement further alleged that recent developments, including changes to electoral laws and INEC’s handling of the ADC leadership issue, were targeted at blocking his presidential ambition.
Obi’s camp warned against what it described as attempts to create a one-party system, calling on stakeholders to defend democratic values.
APC dismisses allegations
Reacting, Abimbola Tooki, media aide to APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, rejected the claims, urging Obi and his associates to resolve internal party disputes.
He maintained that INEC’s guidelines apply equally to all political parties, including the APC, and denied any interference in opposition affairs.
ADC youths issue ultimatum
The ADC Youth Wing escalated the dispute by giving INEC a three-day deadline to restore the Mark-led leadership on its portal.
Speaking in Abuja, the National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufa’i, accused the commission of interfering in internal party matters and acting beyond its constitutional powers.
He warned that failure to comply would trigger coordinated protests across the country, insisting that the issue goes beyond party politics to the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Civil society raises concerns
Also reacting, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, criticised INEC’s handling of the situation.
He warned that excluding political parties from the electoral process could undermine Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and erode public trust in the system.
Rafsanjani urged the commission to act within constitutional limits and avoid actions capable of escalating political tension or damaging the credibility of future elections.
Call for restraint
The ADC youths also cautioned against any form of military involvement, stressing that the dispute remains a civil matter.
They called on the National Assembly and the judiciary to intervene, while warning that Nigeria must not drift toward a one-party state under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The unfolding controversy has heightened concerns over the credibility of preparations for the 2027 elections, with stakeholders urging INEC to act decisively to restore confidence in the electoral process.
