Speaking with PUNCH Online on Thursday on the legal and political implications of the move, Olurode said INEC’s presence as an observer is mandatory for any party convention to be considered legitimate. He said, “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.”The African Democratic Congress had, following its derecognition by INEC, declared that it would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention. “The ADC is being perceived by some as a legitimate political party under siege by the state. “No governing political party can be luckier than the current political configuration on the ground.

Source: Punch April 03, 2026 10:00 UTC