Several online users have reacted following remarks by Abuja-based Rauf Aregbesola, ADC National Secretary, after INEC did not show up at the party’s convention in Abuja.
In a video shared on the official X handle of Arise TV, Aregbesola strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to monitor its national convention held today at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja.
Aregbesola described INEC’s absence as a deliberate attempt to delegitimise the party’s legitimate activities.
In a statement, he declared:
“As a party, we have discharged the responsibility required of us to ensure INEC monitors our convention. It is INEC’s duty to equally discharge its own constitutionally guaranteed and lawfully assigned responsibility of attending and monitoring this convention.
INEC’s failure to perform its duty of monitoring this convention is hereby declared illegal and a criminal act.”
Despite notifying INEC 21 days in advance, as required by the Electoral Act, the Commission declined to attend or monitor the event.
The ADC leadership, which includes prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark, proceeded with the convention after facing alleged venue denials at major sites such as Eagle Square.
The Rainbow Event Centre in Garki became the final venue, where preparations included adorning the hall in party colours and setting the agenda for affirming the current National Working Committee, reviewing the party constitution, and adopting a new manifesto under the theme “So The Nation May Work.”
Aregbesola insisted the party had fulfilled all legal obligations and warned that INEC’s actions undermine democracy.
He called on the international community to monitor what he termed anti-democratic moves, cautioning against a drift toward a one-party state. “Democracy without opposition is autocracy,” he added.
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