The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will go ahead with its planned congresses and national convention, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrawing recognition of its current leadership.
In a statement released on Friday by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC confirmed that its activities will run from April 7 to April 14, 2026.
According to the party, the process will begin with the screening of aspirants and end with a national convention.
“This is to inform all members that, despite INEC’s actions, the ADC will proceed with its congresses as scheduled. We had already notified the commission through letters dated February 27 and March 28, 2026,” the statement read.
The timetable released by the party shows that screening of aspirants will take place on April 7, followed by appeals on April 8. Ward, local government, and polling unit congresses are scheduled for April 9, with appeals on April 10. State congresses will hold on April 11, appeals on April 12, and the national convention on April 14.
The decision comes amid a growing leadership crisis within the party after INEC derecognised a faction reportedly linked to key political figures earlier in the week.
INEC had earlier warned the party against proceeding with its congresses without proper supervision, especially with ongoing court proceedings surrounding the leadership dispute.
The commission also cautioned that ignoring legal processes could lead to serious consequences, including the possibility of election outcomes being overturned, as seen in past cases.
Despite the warning, the ADC insists it has met all necessary requirements by formally notifying INEC and remains committed to carrying out its internal democratic process.
