ADC says court ruling against INEC guidelines may trigger APC defections
By Abiodun Folarin
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the Federal High Court ruling nullifying aspects of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) electoral guidelines could trigger mass defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday voided parts of INEC’s regulations, including the commission’s strict timetable for political party primaries and other provisions challenged by opposition parties.
Reacting to the judgment, the ADC described the ruling as a major victory for democracy and a vindication of the party’s long-standing opposition to some of the electoral body’s guidelines.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the court’s decision reaffirmed its position that some of the provisions introduced by INEC were inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution.
“The decision of the court on these issues, including those that directly contradict the Constitution, is therefore a welcome vindication of our position,” the statement said.
The ADC recalled that it had strongly objected to the electoral body’s stringent timelines for party membership registration and the conduct of party primaries when the guidelines were initially introduced.
According to the party, the court ruling could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially within the ruling APC, as politicians seek more flexible platforms for participation in party primaries and electoral contests.
