₦airaland Forum

At least six state chapters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have suspended their congresses and other programmes following the derecognition of the party’s factional leaderships by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Since the opposition coalition assumed leadership of the ADC in July 2025, the party has been grappling with internal disputes, with three factions, including Nafiu Bala’s and the David Mark-led group laying claim to leadership of the platform.

The crisis culminated in protracted litigation, which prompted INEC to derecognise the Bala and Mark’s faction on April 1, citing the March 12 judgment of the court of appeal.

The commission said it would not attend meetings, congresses, or conventions of the groups pending the determination of a case before the federal high court.

Prior to INEC’s decision, the party had said its polling unit and ward congresses will hold on April 7, while LGA congresses were slated for April 9.

It added that state congresses will take place on April 11, while a convention, where national officers are expected to be unveiled, will hold on April 14.

SERIES OF SUSPENSIONS

Five state chapters of the party have so far suspended their congresses and all party activities, citing the need to comply with INEC directives, with a court order halting the process in Katsina state.

On Monday, Anambra ADC announced an immediate suspension of all planned congresses over the lingering internal crisis.

In a statement issued in Awka by Patrick Obianyo, chairman; and Lawrence Okeke, secretary; the Anambra ADC emphasised the need for due process and respect for judicial authority, urging members to remain calm.

The Sokoto state chapter of the party also suspended its state-wide congresses on Wednesday in compliance with INEC directives and court orders.

In a statement issued by Yusuf Alkali, its secretary; Sokoto ADC said it has informed INEC and the police, which acknowledged their compliance, adding that only coalition-related activities would continue.

Also on Wednesday, the Bayelsa ADC suspended all ward, local government, and state congresses indefinitely, aligning with INEC’s directive to maintain status quo.

Johnny Derek, the state chairman of the party, in a statement, said no congresses would proceed until further notice to ensure compliance with the electoral body’s mandate.

On Thursday, Ondo ADC also suspended all scheduled ward, local government, and state congresses in adherence to INEC directive.

Wole Ademoyegun, the chairman, relayed that any deviation from the commission’s guidance would violate electoral laws and confirmed the suspension will remain until further clarity.

The Niger ADC also made a similar move on Thursday, suspending congresses in all 25 local government areas, citing adherence to the rule of law, constitutional due process, and judicial authority.

In a statement, Musa Hassan, the state chairman, warned INEC not to recognise any congress held by unauthorised committees, reiterating the party’s commitment to legal and electoral compliance.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, a high court in Katsina ordered the suspension of all ADC activities pending a substantive suit fixed for April 15, 2026.

The court restrained certain officials from parading themselves as party stakeholders or conducting congresses, and barred the national leadership and INEC from recognising any events organised by the defendants.

floss:
Last last Apc will announce that there will be no election because they’ve already selected Tulumbu as the only candidate

AWONEYAN:
But David Mark said, INEC pronouncement won't affect any of their lined up program.

Who wants to waste efforts and money....the state congress have to comply

chiiraq802:
ADC ; All Disgruntled Confusionist party....

Indigenous members vs foreign invaders.....

mk ah cari 🍿

floss:
Last last Apc, Inec and Supreme Court will announce that there will be no election because they’ve already selected Tulumbu as the only candidate and winner

According to ronus, this is what sophistication means to them…

I’m really seeing the end of Nigeria in the hands of sophisticated people and failure strategist

Pastorsarynzay:
Election day should be a protest day, tinubu step down for fresh election

AWONEYAN:
But David Mark said, INEC pronouncement won't affect any of their lined up program.

Who wants to waste efforts and money....the state congress have to comply

Putindbutt:
Lol, I bn think say una oga for Abuja dem been talk say nothing fit stop una congress, bunch of clowns 🤡🤡🤡

Also add Katsina and Adamawa to the list, they have dragged themselves to court over leadership tussle and the courts have stopped their congresses. Maybe Bitter people will still accuse APC of their states crisis too.

Bunch of confused, inept, incompetent structure of criminality.

franchasng:
Tinubu fighting so dirty as if his whole life depend on being reelected as President even after a woeful first tenure, ire oh

floss:
During a Yoruba man’s tenure, Inec became a political party

DrugPRESIDENT01:
The desperate drug pusher is seeing that thing are really hard this time 😁😁

DrugPRESIDENT01:
The desperate drug pusher is seeing that thing are really hard this time 😁😁

DrugPRESIDENT01:
The desperate drug pusher is seeing that thing are really hard this time 😁😁

DrugPRESIDENT01:
The desperate drug pusher is seeing that thing are really hard this time 😁😁

Cajal:
Even
Your inability to satisfy your partner in the other room is TINUBU BLAME

AWONEYAN:
But David Mark said, INEC pronouncement won't affect any of their lined up program.

Who wants to waste efforts and money....the state congress have to comply

ddippset:
Yes ADC confused party, disgruntled members, party hijackers.

Just obey the damn court order.

I explained status quo ante bellum to my 12 year old niece the other day and she understood it completely...

But Professor of Law, SAN cannot interprete status quo ante!

Very convenient to say ADC hijacked the party, wey convenient for every Tom, Diks and Harry to say opposition put your house in order..

But just obey the simple Appeal Court order.