A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said the party will not be distracted by its ongoing leadership crisis, insisting that preparations for its congresses and national convention will continue as planned.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Nwosu said the party remains focused on its roadmap ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are taking the necessary steps both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail our programmes. After that malicious release, our leadership met and agreed to move forward,” he said.
According to him, the party had already submitted its schedule to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which initially acknowledged the timetable.
“We submitted our programme in line with the law, and it was endorsed. Whether INEC officials show up or not is their decision — we have not breached any regulation,” he added.
Nwosu confirmed that the congresses are already underway, while the party’s national convention is scheduled for the 14th, where key decisions, including candidate selections, are expected to be ratified.
“We don’t want opportunists in ADC. We are building a platform for people who are ready to challenge a broken system,” he said.
He also noted that the party would continue to formally notify INEC of its activities. However, if the commission refuses to acknowledge them, the party would make its plans public through the media.
The comments come amid a deepening leadership dispute within the ADC. INEC recently announced that it would not recognise either the faction led by David Mark or the group aligned with Nafiu Bala, citing an ongoing court case.
The commission said it would maintain the status quo pending a final ruling by the Federal High Court and subsequently removed Mark’s name from its official portal.
The crisis traces back to Nwosu’s resignation as national chairman in July 2025, which paved the way for a new leadership under Mark. However, Bala, a former vice national chairman, challenged the transition, arguing that he should automatically assume leadership.
The dispute has since moved through the courts, with the Court of Appeal dismissing an earlier challenge by Mark’s camp.
INEC’s decision has sparked strong reactions within the party. ADC leaders have accused the commission of undermining democracy and even called for the resignation of its chairman.
On Wednesday, prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, led a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding a reversal of the decision.
They also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria toward a one-party system — an allegation both the presidency and INEC have denied.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare dismissed the claims, insisting that there is no plan to limit the ballot to the ruling party and reaffirming that all registered parties remain free to participate in the 2027 elections.
Despite the tensions, Nwosu maintained that the ADC remains committed to its internal processes and determined to stay on course ahead of the next electoral cycle.
