A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lai Olurode, has warned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against proceeding with its planned national convention without first obtaining explicit approval from INEC.
Speaking in an interview with PUNCH Online on Thursday, Olurode stressed that INEC’s presence as an observer is mandatory for any party convention to be considered legitimate and legally recognised.
“It would be imprudent for the ADC to go ahead with its convention without INEC’s endorsement. For legality to be conferred on the convention, INEC’s presence as an observer is mandatory,” he said.
The caution comes after INEC derecognised the ADC, prompting the party to announce it would still hold its congresses and national convention. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had earlier stated on Arise TV that the ADC would not halt its activities, insisting that due process had been followed.
Olurode, however, emphasised that political parties are creations of the Constitution and the state, and therefore cannot unilaterally confer legality on their actions or leadership without INEC’s recognition. He warned that proceeding without approval could expose the party to sanctions or being declared an unlawful organisation.
The former INEC commissioner advised ADC leaders, many of whom have held high government positions, to resolve internal disputes quickly and avoid actions that could damage the party’s image. He noted that while some view the ADC as a party under siege, the state must be careful not to appear to be persecuting the opposition.
Olurode also highlighted the challenges of oppositional politics in Nigeria, describing it as risky and difficult. He urged both the government and its institutions to promote openness and healthy political competition rather than overreacting to opposition activities.
“No governing political party can be luckier than the current political configuration on the ground. The state should not kill a fly with a sledgehammer,” he added.
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