At least six state chapters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have put their congresses and other planned activities on hold following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from factional leadership groups within the party.
The move comes amid an intensifying internal crisis that has plagued the ADC since an opposition coalition took over its leadership in July 2025. This development sparked a prolonged leadership tussle among rival factions, notably those loyal to Nafiu Bala and another aligned with David Mark, both claiming authority over the party’s structure.
The conflict eventually led to legal battles. Acting on a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling, INEC announced on April 1 that it would no longer recognise either faction. The commission further stated that it would abstain from attending or validating any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the disputing groups until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.
Before INEC’s intervention, the party had released a timetable for its internal elections, scheduling ward congresses for April 7, local government congresses for April 9, state congresses for April 11, and a national convention on April 14 to elect new national officers.
However, the directive has disrupted these plans, prompting several state chapters to suspend activities in compliance with regulatory and judicial orders.
In Anambra State, party leaders announced an immediate halt to all congresses, citing the need to respect due process and court rulings. Sokoto State followed suit, suspending its statewide congresses and confirming that only coalition-related engagements would continue.
Similarly, the Bayelsa chapter indefinitely suspended all congresses, while the Ondo State leadership warned members against violating INEC’s directive, stressing that activities would remain on hold pending further clarification.
The Niger State chapter also suspended congresses across all 25 local government areas, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures and cautioning INEC against recognising any unauthorised gatherings.
Meanwhile, in Katsina State, a High Court issued an order restraining all ADC activities until the hearing of a substantive suit scheduled for April 15, 2026. The court also barred certain individuals from presenting themselves as party officials and prohibited both the national leadership and INEC from recognising any activities conducted by the affected parties.
Collectively, these developments have derailed the ADC’s internal election process, creating uncertainty around its leadership and the planned national convention.
