By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The planned national convention of the newly formed National Democratic Coalition (NDC), scheduled to hold today, may face legal and procedural scrutiny over allegations that the party failed to comply with the mandatory 21-day notice required by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, political parties are expected to formally notify INEC at least 21 days before conducting conventions, congresses, or meetings where party executives and candidates are to be elected. Political analysts say compliance with the provision is important for the legitimacy and recognition of decisions reached at such gatherings.
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Observers noted that while the convention could still hold, failure to properly notify INEC within the stipulated timeframe may expose the process to future litigation and internal disputes capable of affecting the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the development comes barely a week after reports emerged that prominent political figures, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Aisha Binani, aligned with the emerging political platform, raising public interest in the party’s rapid expansion.
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Political watchers, however, argue that adherence to electoral laws and internal democratic procedures will determine whether the party can successfully position itself as a credible force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from party representatives on the alleged notice controversy were unsuccessful as of press time.
