ADC moves to boost international engagement, sets up network
…tracks alleged attacks on opposition The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled plans to set up a Special Representatives Network in major foreign capitals as part of efforts to deepen
...tracks alleged attacks on opposition
- From Dele Anofi, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled plans to set up a Special Representatives Network in major foreign capitals as part of efforts to deepen its international outreach and promote democratic accountability in Nigeria.
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The party listed Washington DC; London; Brussels; Berlin; Ottawa; Paris; Pretoria; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Accra; Geneva; and New York as priority locations for the initiative, citing their global influence, commitment to democratic values and sizable Nigerian diaspora populations.
Furthermore, as part of the programme, the party is also setting up a National Documentation Initiative to record incidents affecting political participation nationwide systematically.
The move, the party said, follows what it described as a growing trend of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition figures since July 2025, including alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties, undermine recognised leadership structures, and limit political participation.
In a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party explained that the network would provide formal channels of engagement between the party and key international stakeholders, especially in countries and institutions that prioritise democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Under the arrangement, the party plans to designate credible individuals as envoys in selected global capitals.
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These representatives, Abdullahi said, will act as official liaisons between the ADC and foreign governments, parliamentary bodies, international media, democracy-support organisations and Nigerian diaspora groups.
According to him, the envoys are expected to give periodic briefings on developments in Nigeria’s political space, including governance issues, human rights concerns, electoral processes and claims of repression against opposition actors.
They will also communicate the party’s policy positions and reform agenda to international partners, he added.
The ADC said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that foreign partners and democratic institutions receive balanced and reliable information about Nigeria’s political environment, rather than depending solely on official government accounts.
It added that formalising these channels would enhance its standing as a democratic actor and strengthen its claim as a credible alternative committed to constitutional governance.
On the National Documentation Initiative that will systematically record incidents affecting political participation nationwide, the party stated that State party structures will be tasked with gathering reports on issues such as threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests and disruptions of political activities.
The party said the combined initiatives are intended to expand its international presence, improve the flow of credible information on Nigeria’s political developments, and reinforce its commitment to democratic governance, accountability and the protection of opposition rights.
