ADC chieftain accuses INEC chairman of sabotaging party's 2027 chances
Kenneth Okonkwo, ADC chieftain, blasts INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan as 'a liar' for claiming ADC risks Zamfara/Rivers-style electoral crisis if it holds congresses without court compliance. Okonkwo reacted via X on Friday to Amupitan's Arise News interview, alleging the comments aimed to discourage ADC's 2027 election preparations. INEC had removed former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as ADC National Chairman and Secretary, suspended recognition of all ADC factions, and will not monitor any conventions pending a Federal High Court suit. Okonkwo counters that no court barred ADC from congresses, noting the party fulfilled its 21-day notification to INEC. He insists INEC has no role in party primaries beyond observation, calling Amupitan's comparison 'incompetent' and exposing 'ulterior motive to derail ADC's 2027 participation.' Okonkwo alleges APC backs a 'hostile takeover attempt' using a former ADC NWC member and Amupitan as 'arrow heads.' The court case began September 2, 2025, before congress issues arose. ADC remains committed to scheduled congresses and national convention. With smaller parties vulnerable to institutional interference, how should INEC balance oversight with party autonomy during election cycles? Should its observer role extend to halting processes amid litigation?