ADC national convention under threat
The National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is under threat, following the cloud of uncertainty hovering over the state congresses. The congresses that should herald the convention were
- By Dele Anofi, Idris Abdulsalam, Toba Adedeji, Onimsi Alao, Duku Joel, Nwanosike Onu, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kolade Adeyemi, Uja Emmanuel, Mike Odiegwu, Linus Oota, Ahmed Rufa’i, Justina Asishana, Olaide Oyelude, Okungbowa Aiwerie, Tosin Tope and Augustine Okezie
The National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is under threat, following the cloud of uncertainty hovering over the state congresses.
The congresses that should herald the convention were yesterday put on hold in many states across the federation.
The affected states are Ondo, Anambra, Sokoto, and Bayelsa where rival camps within the opposition party are at loggerheads.
The ADC has been enveloped in tension after the withdrawal of recognition from its Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party also sunked deeper into crisis after a former members of the Ralph Nwosu NWC, Nafiu Bala Gombe, laid claim to its leadership.
Two days ago, state chairmen from 25 states, who repudiated the disputed David Mark camp and Gombe faction, set up a 20-member interim committee, led by Kingsley Temitope Ogah, chairman of Kogi State chapter.
Ogah claimed that as members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), the setting up of the interim leadership was consistent with the party’s constitution.
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However, yesterday, the David Mark camp matched on the INEC headquarters in Abuja, to protest the withdrawal of recognition and call on INEC chair Por. Gohash Amupitan..
Prominent ADC chieftains, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mark, former Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano State), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Peter Obi (Anambra); and Buba Galadima reiterated their call for the removal of Prof. Amupitan.
They accused him of bias and interference in the party’s internal affairs.
The chieftains, in a letter dated April 8 and addressed to the INEC chairman, demanded either his immediate resignation “in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC” or his removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for “gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.”
The letter, jointly signed by Mark and Aregbesola, also called for the withdrawal of what it described as “offensive correspondence” issued by the commission to the party, a formal apology, and a commitment to refrain from further interference in party affairs.
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They threatened to activate “all lawful and constitutional mechanisms,” including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action, if its demands were not met.
“We write to convey our strongest condemnation of your recent actions and public statements, which have further deepened concerns about your fitness to continue in office,” they stated.
The party leaders faulted what they described as an attempt by the INEC chairman to interpret court judgments, saying that such powers reside exclusively with the judiciary.
According to them, “the interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach.”
They said the commission’s correspondence has reinforced concerns that it may be aligning with factional interests within the party, thereby undermining the confidence in the electoral system.
The chieftains also complained that a former official whose authority was allegedly being relied upon had participated in a NEC meeting where the NWC led by Ralph Nwosu was dissolved.
According to them, any subsequent reliance on that individual’s authority or signature lacked legal basis.
They also maintained that INEC has no mandate to act as an interpreter of judicial decisions or interfere in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions could erode Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.
“We state, without equivocation, that the ADC will resist any such attempt—lawfully, firmly, and resolutely,” the party said.
Atiku, Obi: why we protested
Atiku commended Mark for his sacrifice in choosing to participate in the demonstration on his birthday. Mark turned 78 yesterday.
Atyiku noted that the action reflects commitment to democratic principles.
He said the protest sent a strong message that any attempt to undermine democracy in Nigeria will be resisted.
“I believe they have received the message that this effort to undermine our democracy will not succeed,” he said.
Obi, who had urged Nigerians to participate in the demonstration through social media, described it as a response to perceived threats to democratic principles.
He criticised the likely dominance of a single political party, weakening of opposition structures and declining public confidence in electoral processes.
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Addressing the rally, Obi stressed the need to defend democratic values.
He said: “We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed.
“We say no to a one-party system, and for that reason today we are calling on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace and the security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”
Kwankwaso said the peaceful procession brought together coalition leaders and committed democrats from various opposition groups, united in sending a strong message against perceived electoral bias.
He said the demonstration was held to press for the credibility of the electoral process and the need to safeguard democratic principles.
“We will not stand idly by while our electoral umpire undermines the will of the people,” he added.
Kwakwanso said opposition leaders would continue to monitor the activities of INEC closely and insist on strict adherence to impartiality, transparency, and professionalism.
He said the restoration of public confidence in the electoral system is essential for the survival and growth of democracy in Nigeria.
INEC partisan, says Tambuwal
Tambuwal alleged that INEC is partisan, adding that the demonstration as a patriotic effort aimed at safeguarding democracy and ensuring that the electoral process is credible, fair, and transparent.
He said the protest reflected a shared commitment among opposition leaders to resist any attempt to undermine democratic institutions or promote authoritarian tendencies.
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“Our stance is not just political, it is a duty to protect the integrity of our nation and preserve the will of the people,” he added.
Aregbesola: democracy undermined
Aregbesola said the protest against undemocratic practices affecting political participation ahead of the 2027 elections was justified.
He alleged that there are attempts to restrict opposition parties, particularly the ADC, from fully participating in the electoral process.
The former Osun State governor said the protest reflects growing public demand for free, fair, and credible elections, as well as increased accountability from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said many Nigerians are frustrated with economic challenges and governance issues, which have deepened poverty while favoring a select few.
Aregbesola expressed optimism about the resolve of citizens to defend democratic values, noting that the growing participation in such protests signals a desire for change through the ballot.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding electoral integrity to ensure that the will of the people is respected in the 2027 general election.
ADC congresses put on hold
Katsina ADC will proceed with its ward congresses today, adopting a consensus approach to promote unity and inclusiveness. Party leaders have urged members to prioritise collective interest, with preparations already in place across wards and polling units. Ondo Congresses have been suspended across all levels in compliance with the INEC directive. The state chapter said it will await further guidance amid ongoing leadership disputes. Bayelsa congresses have been suspended indefinitely following INEC’s directive to maintain the status quo.
The party warned against unauthorised gatherings and placed security agencies on alert. Kogi state chapter is going ahead with its congresses. Party leaders dismissed claims of suspension, insisting only the national leadership can halt the process. Niger ADC will hold its congress as scheduled. However, the venue has been restricted to invited delegates for security and organisational reasons. Jigawa will proceed with its congresses as planned, stating that no contrary directive has been received. Preparations are said to be complete for a smooth exercise. Nasarawa Congresses will hold as scheduled despite the national crisis. Party leaders say all arrangements have been finalised and there are no plans to suspend the exercise. Rivers ADC has vowed to proceed with its congresses, insisting it has met all legal requirements, including notifying INEC. The state chapter maintains unity and readiness. Benue will go ahead with its congress, with leaders insisting there is no court order stopping it and that preparations have been concluded. Plateau Congresses will proceed as planned, with party leaders expressing determination to carry it out despite controversies. Kaduna situation remains uncertain due to factional conflict. One group has postponed the congress, while another insists it should proceed, creating confusion over the final outcome. Anambra Congresses have been suspended indefinitely due to internal leadership tussles and disputes over control of the party structure. Borno ADC will proceed with congresses. National officials are already on ground, and materials are being distributed. Yobe is going ahead with its congresses as scheduled, rejecting any directive suggesting suspension and insisting on following its timetable. Ogun situation is unclear, with party officials indicating that consultations are ongoing and no final decision has been confirmed. Adamawa state chapter remains undecided. Party leadership said a final position will be announced after internal consultations. Osun ADC will conduct its ward and local government congresses as scheduled, with arrangements completed and members urged to ensure a peaceful process.
