ADC Tears Apart as 6 States Suspend Congresses

At least six state chapters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have suspended their congresses and other planned party activities due to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to derecognize the factional leaderships within the party.

This situation has arisen amidst a growing internal crisis in the ADC, which has been ongoing since an opposition coalition took control of the party in July 2025.

The power struggle involves multiple factions, notably those led by Nafiu Bala and a bloc associated with David Mark, both of which are vying for control over the party’s structure.

The tensions have resulted in legal disputes, leading INEC to derecognize the factions led by Bala and Mark on April 1, following a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.

Additionally, the electoral body has announced that it will not participate in or acknowledge any meetings, congresses, or conventions organized by these factions until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.

Prior to INEC’s intervention, the party had announced a timetable for its internal elections, stating that polling unit and ward congresses would hold on April 7, local government congresses on April 9, state congresses on April 11, and a national convention on April 14, where national officers were expected to emerge.

However, the directive has triggered widespread suspension of activities across state chapters, with at least five states already halting congresses and party programmes in compliance with regulatory and judicial orders.

In Anambra, the ADC announced an immediate suspension of all planned congresses. In a statement issued in Awka by chairman Patrick Obianyo and secretary Lawrence Okeke, the party stressed the need for due process and respect for judicial authority, urging members to remain calm.

The Sokoto State chapter also suspended its statewide congresses on Wednesday in compliance with INEC directives and court orders. In a statement by secretary Yusuf Alkali, the party said it had notified INEC and security agencies, both of which acknowledged compliance, adding that “only coalition-related activities will continue.”

Similarly, the Bayelsa State chapter on Wednesday suspended all ward, local government, and state congresses indefinitely, aligning with INEC’s directive to maintain the status quo. State chairman Johnny Derek said in a statement that “no congresses would proceed until further notice” to ensure compliance with the electoral body’s mandate.

On Thursday, the Ondo State chapter also suspended its scheduled ward, local government, and state congresses, with chairman Wole Ademoyegun warning that any deviation from INEC’s guidance would violate electoral laws, adding that the suspension would remain until further clarity is provided.

The Niger State chapter also joined in suspending congresses across its 25 local government areas, citing adherence to the rule of law, constitutional due process, and judicial authority. State chairman Musa Hassan warned INEC not to recognise “any congress held by unauthorised committees,” reaffirming the party’s commitment to legal and electoral compliance.

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, a High Court issued an order on Tuesday restraining the conduct of ADC activities pending the hearing of a substantive suit fixed for April 15, 2026. The court also barred certain officials from parading themselves as party stakeholders or conducting congresses, and prohibited both the national leadership and INEC from recognising any activities organised by the defendants.

The combined effect of INEC’s directive and the court rulings has effectively stalled the ADC’s internal election timetable, deepening uncertainty over the party’s leadership structure and upcoming national convention.