The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared its determination to proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention despite ongoing disputes with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its leadership structure.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC had already fulfilled all legal requirements by notifying INEC of its planned activities.
“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice. They have accepted the notice. So whether they come or not, we will continue with our congresses and go ahead with our convention,” he stated.
The development comes shortly after INEC announced it would no longer recognise factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, citing a Court of Appeal judgment directing the maintenance of the status quo pending further legal proceedings.
The decision has intensified tensions within the party and between the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Abdullahi accused the APC-led government of attempting to destabilise the ADC through external pressure on INEC, particularly following the recent defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the party.
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According to him, the ruling party is unsettled by the ADC’s growing political momentum and is allegedly employing various tactics to weaken the opposition.
He further alleged that there were plans to stage a protest in Abuja aimed at creating public pressure to influence INEC’s position on the party’s leadership dispute.
“A paid crowd will take to the streets demanding leadership changes. This is intended to create artificial pressure on the electoral body,” Abdullahi claimed.
He described the alleged move as part of a broader strategy to interfere in the internal affairs of the ADC and undermine its credibility as an opposition platform.
Despite the challenges, Abdullahi maintained that the party would remain law-abiding while taking all necessary legal steps to defend its structure and integrity.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging him to caution those allegedly working to destabilise opposition parties.
The ADC’s stance signals a deepening political standoff as parties begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over internal party disputes and the role of electoral institutions in maintaining neutrality.