At first glance, it seems like another political showdown. But inside the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the scene tells a different story. The hall is crowded, buzzing with energy. Supporters stand shoulder to shoulder, aides move quickly between groups, and conversations overlap as prominent opposition figures arrive one after another—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Liyel Imoke, Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalung, and Victor Umeh. Their presence signals more than attendance—it is a statement.
At the centre of it all is Aisha Yesufu, ADC Deputy Chairman overseeing Membership, Revalidation, Mobilisation, and Registration. In her signature blue-grey hijab, she projects composure and focus, commanding attention without raising her voice.
“We are not intimidated. We are not afraid. We are not thinking of giving up,” she said. “Nigeria is at war. Going into 2027, Nigeria is at war, and we are fighting for our lives and the soul of this nation.”
Behind the energy, the African Democratic Congress is navigating a crisis on multiple fronts.
Legal Challenges: Leadership in Dispute
The turmoil began on September 2, 2025, when Nafiu Bala Gombe filed a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the legitimacy of the ADC’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark. Gombe is seeking recognition as acting national chairman and a halt to the operations of the current leadership.
After months of motions, objections, and jurisdictional debates, the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026, issued a key order: all parties must maintain the ‘status quo ante bellum,’ effectively pausing leadership activities until the final judgment.
INEC Withdraws Recognition
Following the court ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from all factions, refusing to monitor any party activities. For local organisers like Moses Shekwolo in Abuja, it means planning in the dark. “We don’t even know which list will eventually stand,” he said, having already postponed three meetings ahead of the upcoming congresses scheduled for April 9–12, the national convention on April 14, and primaries between April 23 and May 30.
A Race Against Time
The party faces stark choices: proceed with congresses and risk nullification, or wait for the courts and potentially miss critical electoral deadlines. Adding to the pressure is a separate suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25) seeking INEC’s deregistration of the ADC and other parties for failing to meet minimum electoral performance thresholds. If successful, the party would cease to exist, instantly nullifying all internal structures, leadership disputes, and election plans.
Public Reactions
David Mark, ADC Interim National Chairman, called for the resignation of INEC leadership, accusing the government of plotting a one-party state. Mahmud Jega, a public affairs analyst, warned that INEC’s actions risk weakening the opposition. Inibehe Effiong, constitutional lawyer, described the situation as a “sinister conspiracy” aimed at undermining democracy.
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, affirmed the party’s resolve to proceed with congresses regardless of INEC’s stance. Solomon Dalung, ADC chieftain, insisted the party would not surrender to perceived governmental pressure.
Historical Context
Nigeria’s political past offers lessons. The 2016 Peoples Democratic Party crisis split the party for over a year, damaging its electoral prospects. Similarly, parallel primaries in Rivers State ahead of 2019 led to exclusion from the ballot. Deregistration threats in 2020 eliminated 74 parties. This time, the crisis is compressed—legal freezes, regulator withdrawal, election timetables, and potential deregistration are converging simultaneously.
The Human Side
Inside the Yar’Adua Centre, the energy continues. Conversations, debates, and calculations unfold around Aisha Yesufu. Amid uncertainty over leadership, legal battles, and the future of the party, the overriding question looms: What happens if time runs out?
