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.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayAdvertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com