Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Babachir Lawal, has said the party will participate in the 2027 general elections regardless of the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its leadership structure.
Lawal made the remark amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) within the party. The leadership dispute has drawn attention from political observers, with questions raised about INEC’s role in determining which faction is officially recognized.
According to Lawal, the ADC remains committed to contesting in the next general elections and will not be deterred by regulatory disagreements. He emphasized that the party’s preparations for 2027 are ongoing, regardless of the commission’s stance on internal leadership matters.
The controversy centers on the legitimacy of the David Mark-led NWC, which has been a subject of internal party contention. INEC’s recognition of party leadership is often critical, as it determines which faction can field candidates and participate in electoral processes.
Lawal, however, argued that the ADC would navigate any challenges arising from the dispute and ensure its presence on the ballot. He suggested that the party has the capacity to resolve its internal issues while maintaining its electoral ambitions.
Political analysts note that disputes over party leadership are not uncommon in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as election cycles approach. Such disagreements can affect party cohesion and readiness if not resolved in a timely manner.
INEC has not issued a definitive public response on the matter at the time of the statement, but its decisions on party leadership recognition typically follow established legal and regulatory frameworks. The commission’s position could ultimately influence how the ADC participates in the elections.
Despite the uncertainty, Lawal maintained that the party is focused on strengthening its structure and expanding its support base ahead of 2027. He reiterated that internal disagreements would not prevent the ADC from engaging fully in the democratic process.
The development highlights the broader challenges political parties face in maintaining unity and compliance with regulatory requirements while preparing for national elections. As the 2027 polls approach, attention is likely to remain on how the ADC resolves its leadership issues and secures official recognition.
For now, the party leadership appears determined to press forward with its plans, signaling confidence that it will overcome internal and external hurdles to participate in the upcoming elections.
