The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress shows no sign of abating as internal wrangling and legal hurdles have stalled the state congresses scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The crisis, which has since fragmented the party into three camps led by former Senate President David Mark, Nafiu Gombe and a bloc spearheaded by some state ADC chairmen, led to the recent de-recognition of the Mark-led National Working Committee by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

While some states have announced the suspension of their congresses, a few states have vowed to proceed with the election ahead of the party’s convention.

On Thursday, a faction led by Gombe stormed the INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding formal recognition.

Gombe, accompanied by a Rep member from Kogi State, Leke Abejide, and hundreds of supporters, accused the David Mark-led leadership of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in defiance of its constitution and internal processes.

Addressing officials of the electoral body during the protest, Gombe insisted that due process must be followed in resolving the leadership dispute.

He said, “We are here to urge INEC to follow due process. You cannot come to the ADC through the window and expect to overturn the owners of the ADC. As democrats, we don’t want any moneybags to come and destroy democracy. The ADC is for all Nigerians from wards, states, to the national level.”

Also speaking, Abejide called on the commission to resist what he described as an attempted takeover of the party, stressing that the ADC constitution clearly outlines eligibility requirements for leadership positions.

“We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing and rescue democracy from the hands of usurpers. How do you come to a party and attempt to hijack the leadership on the same day? Which political platform is that done?

“The party constitution is clear about this. You have to spend at least two years in the ADC as an active member before you can aspire for any position. The commission has not erred. These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum by recognising Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman of the party,” he said.

Similarly, the ADC Director of Youths and Mobilisation, Mohammed Sahad, commended INEC for complying with a court order, but urged the commission to go further by affirming Gombe’s leadership.

“INEC has not erred in any way. In fact, we commend the commission for obeying the court order. But they need to recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe as the authentic national chairman of the ADC. INEC needs to do the right thing and do it now. That is why we are here,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the commission, INEC National Commissioner, Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, assured the protesters that their concerns would be reviewed.

“I am here on behalf of the chairman, and I believe INEC, as a commission, will look at your letter and give you feedback. Thank you for being orderly with your protest,” he said.

The protest comes barely 24 hours after a rival faction of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark, staged a large demonstration in Abuja under the banner of #OccupyINEC, accusing the electoral body of actions they claimed undermined democracy and the party’s internal leadership structure.

The back-to-back protests underscore the deepening rift within the ADC, raising concerns over the party’s stability ahead of future electoral contests.

Congresses halted in states

The protracted crisis rocking the Adamawa state chapter of the ADC has taken another dimension, as a Yola High Court has stopped the party from going ahead with its planned congresses.

Justice Ahmed Isa, who presided over the case, ordered the suspension of the congresses slated for Thursday until the determination of the case. The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 15, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.

The embattled ADC chairman in the State, Shehu Yohanna, had approached the court, seeking to stop the congresses due to alleged exclusion from the process.

Yohanna filed the suit against Sadiq Dasin, the state chairman of the transition committee. When The PUNCH contacted the North East Vice Chairman of the party and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, he denied knowledge of the court ruling.

“I’m in Abuja, so I don’t know about the case. Go and ask those who were in court today. I don’t know anything about the court case, “ he said.

In Anambra, the state congresses would also not be held. The party chairman, Patrick Obianyo, disclosed that the party has suspended the proposed congresses until further notice.

Obianyo said the party’s decision underscores its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.

He, therefore, called on all party members and stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful throughout this period.

He also informed the INEC not to recognise anything done by those parading themselves as ADC leaders in the state.

“The African Democratic Congress, the Anambra State chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of all planned and proposed congresses across the state, until further notice.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the tenure of the current ADC Executive Committee in Anambra State, as well as in other states, remains constitutionally valid and duly recognised by INEC.

“Consequently, the general public is strongly advised to disregard any directives, announcements, or actions from unauthorised individuals falsely parading themselves as party leaders.

“The party will duly communicate new dates for congresses and conventions following the conclusion of ongoing national consultations and meetings.’’

Similarly, the Ondo ADC has announced the suspension of its earlier scheduled Congresses following the re-recognition of the national leadership of the party.

The party had earlier scheduled to hold its ward, local government and state congresses this month, but disclosed that the exercises had been suspended.

This was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the state chairman of the party, Mr Wole Ademoyegun.

It said the suspension was in line with the directive of the INEC, which asked the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

“We reaffirm our unwavering respect for INEC as the constitutionally constituted regulatory authority for political parties and our firm commitment to due process and institutional order.

“Accordingly, all members and stakeholders of the party are hereby enjoined to remain calm, maintain unity, and exercise the highest level of discipline during this period.

“The party strongly advises against any form of activity that may contravene the directive of INEC or disrupt the peace and order within the party.”

Also, the Zamfara ADC said that it might not continue with the congresses as earlier planned.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Kabiru Garba, said the party has yet to make any preparations with regard to the congresses.

In a telephone interview with The PUNCH, Garba said, “Being the state chairman of ADC in Zamfara, I am telling you that I don’t know anything about the forthcoming congresses. Nobody has briefed me on the level of preparedness regarding the congresses. As such, I have no idea whether the exercises will hold or not.”

Relatedly, the ADC in Niger State has suspended its planned congresses across all 25 local government areas until further notice.

State chairman Musa Hassan said the decision, conveyed in a Wednesday statement, was to uphold the rule of law, due process, and judicial authority.

He warned that the INEC would not recognise any congress conducted by unauthorised committees and urged the public to disregard directives from individuals posing as party leaders. A new date will be announced after ongoing consultations.

Meanwhile, the crisis rocking the Kaduna State chapter of the party escalated on Wednesday as rival groups issued conflicting positions on the conduct of the party’s ward, local government and state congresses.

While one faction announced the postponement of the exercise to May, another dismissed the decision as unauthorised, insisting that any such move lacked constitutional backing and would not be recognised.

In a statement dated April 6, 2026, a group led by the State Organising Secretary, Adamu Bello, said the congresses earlier scheduled to begin on April 7 had been postponed following a surge in defections into the party.

The statement, co-signed by the Publicity Secretary, Idris Musa, explained that the postponement was to accommodate new entrants and ensure inclusivity.

“This decision follows a significant influx of defectors from various parties, including the PDP, APC, NNPP and Labour Party,” the statement read.

“The party leadership believes conducting the congress at this time would be premature and may not reflect the true representation of the party’s growing strength.”

It added that the congresses had been rescheduled to the first week of May, noting that the national leadership had been informed.

However, another faction rejected the announcement, describing it as misleading and lacking official authorisation.

In a disclaimer issued by the factional State Organising Secretary, Ibrahim Musa, the group denied claims that the INEC had stopped the congresses.

“The attention of the ADC has been drawn to a purported publication claiming that INEC has stopped the party from conducting its leadership elections. This claim is false and misleading,” the statement read.

It added that those behind the publication were not recognised spokespersons of the party and did not represent its official position.

“This appears to be a deliberate attempt to misinform party members and create confusion,” the statement added, warning that action could be taken against those involved.

Weighing in on the development, the factional chairman of the party in the state, Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, insisted that only the state executive committee had the authority to organise congresses.

“They are stakeholders of the party, but the conduct of congresses is clearly stipulated in our constitution,” he said.

“It is the mandate of the state executive committee to decide when and how congresses will be held.”

In Osun, the ADC State Chairman, Charles Omidiji, has said its members will not participate in the forthcoming state congress of the party. He, however, said a faction within the party in the state called the Omoluabi Progressives planned to hold the congress.

“I have the directive of the national body not to participate in the congress. But a faction in Osun ADC called Omoluabi Progressives is planning to hold the congress. But as Osun State chairman of the party, I am telling you that we are not participating.”

However, the Director of Media of Osun ADC, Seun Abosede, said Omidiji was no longer the chairman of the party in Osun and thus incompetent to speak for the party.

“He can’t speak for Osun ADC. He has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress. He has been listed on the website of the party as Osun’s protem chairman. Omidiji is no longer in Osun ADC.

“We are proceeding with the congress. On Saturday, we will have our state congress, and thereafter, we will proceed to the national convention. You can check the website of the NDC, Omidiji is listed on its website as Osun protem chairman,” Abosede said.

But the situation is different in Plateau, where the party insisted it is set to proceed with its state congresses scheduled for Saturday.

In an interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday, the state ADC Chairman, Hannatu Gagara, confirmed that the party will go ahead with the congress, saying, “We have done the screening of delegates at the ward and local Government levels. So, we are proceeding with the state congress on Saturday by the Grace of God.”

Gagara dismissed concerns over the INEC de-recognition, stating, “The electoral body did not say we should stop our congresses. And besides, we contacted INEC this morning about it, and I can tell you they have no problem with what we are doing.”

The National Chief Whip of the ADC, Sabiu Musa, who is also from Plateau state, echoed Gagara’s sentiments, saying, “The party has held its ward and local government congresses in Plateau state, and from the report I got, it was a success. So, the remaining one, which is the state congress, is going to be an affirmation of the current chairman, led by Amb Hannatu Gagara. So, ADC is good to go in Plateau state.”

In the same vein, the  Jigawa State chapter has vowed to proceed with its scheduled ward, local government, and state congresses.

A chieftain and coordinator of the party coalition in the state, Mahmud Gumel, confirmed to our correspondent on Wednesday that the congresses will hold as planned, saying the party is not intimidated by INEC’s actions.

“We will go ahead with our congresses and convention. We have complied with the law by giving INEC the required notice. Whether they attend or not, our processes will continue,” Gumel said.

He expressed concern over what he described as attempts to undermine political pluralism ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework and limit the choices available to voters.

In Edo, the party on Thursday held its ward and local government area Congresses across the 192 wards and 18 local government areas to elect new leaders. The party said it was ready for the state Congress fixed for Saturday.

However, the state chairman, Ken Odion, described the congress as null and void, noting that the state chapter will comply with the decision of the INEC.

Odion said going ahead would amount to a futile exercise, which would result in wanton waste of capital and human resources.

He said, “Some people said that they are going ahead, but as a state chairman, I am not going ahead with those activities because when you go ahead, you finish it, and you need to submit it to the body that said you should not go ahead. Where do you want to submit the report?’’

The Kogi ADC has asked party members to disregard the purported suspension of congresses in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the publicity secretary of the party, Abdumalik Suleiman.

“The African Democratic Congress, Kogi State chapter, wishes to inform party members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the purported suspension of congresses in Kogi State contained in a letter issued by the state’s outgoing Chairman, Mr Kingsley Ogga.”

Suleiman said that “Ogga lacks the constitutional authority to suspend congresses in the state.”

“In issuing that directive, he usurped the powers of the National Working Committee NWC, the only organ of the party vested with the authority to commence or halt electoral processes within the party.”

Uncertainty in Oyo

When asked if the congresses would be held in Oyo, the state publicity secretary, Bimbo Adelowo, said, “In the light of the de-recognition of David Mark-led interim committee of  ADC, a lot of situations have arisen that make the party a political party technically without clear-cut leadership.

“First, I would like to say this: INEC might be wrong in its decision to derecognise the interim NWC of ADC, but the fact that INEC, as a regulatory body, is empowered under law to set rules, whether the rules are just or not, is another case entirely.

“Since INEC has made a pronouncement, definitely everyone should abide by it until otherwise is pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction.’’

“Our congresses, in view of the above, have been shelved in order not to run foul of the law. But that doesn’t preclude our party from holding our meetings, only that INEC will not monitor any of the meetings,” he explained.

Division in Abia

In a related development, a faction of the party in Abia State has distanced the party from the actions of Don Obinna, saying he lacks the authority to act or speak as the party’s chairman in the state.

The decision was reached in Umuahia on Thursday, where party leaders, including Austine Akobundu, senator representing Abia Central; Uko Nkole and Okey Igwe, among other stakeholders, reviewed the situation in the party and reaffirmed their commitment to due process.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of the caucus, Nkole drew attention to a subsisting order of the Abia State High Court which, through an interim injunction dated December 3, 2025, restrained Obinna from parading himself or acting in any capacity as chairman of the party in the state pending the determination of the case.

The caucus also referenced the findings of the ADC South-East Zonal Disciplinary Committee contained in a report dated September 25, 2025, which clarified the party’s position on Obinna’s conduct and status.

According to the caucus, Obinna’s continued claim to the leadership of the party in Abia State is unlawful and misleading, describing it as a violation of party discipline and contempt of a valid court order. It therefore declared that any meetings, directives, or public engagements conducted by him in the name of the party are null and void.

The caucus reaffirmed Kanu Kanu as the Acting State Chairman of the ADC pending the conduct of the party’s state congresses.

Meanwhile,  Obinna has said the current tenure of the Abia State ward, LGA, and state executives remains in effect.

In a statement on Thursday, Obinna, who still claims to be the substantive state chairman of the party, advised party members, leaders, and stakeholders to “remain calm, stay positive, and promote the constructive message of ADC while refraining from acts that could disturb peace in their areas.”

Mark-led NWC seeks court order against INEC

The David Mark-led NWC, which was sacked by INEC, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking orders to compel the electoral body to reverse its decision to delete the party’s top officials from its records.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, follows the removal of the names of Mark, listed as National Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, from INEC’s official portal on April 1.

In a motion on notice dated April 7, the embattled chairman, through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman (SAN), prayed the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing the electoral body to immediately restore the names of the party’s National Working Committee members as they existed prior to the dispute.

The application, brought pursuant to Order 26 Rules 1 to 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, as well as under the court’s inherent and equitable jurisdiction, seeks three principal reliefs.

The applicant also sought “an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to forthwith restore and maintain records of the names of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, as well as all members of the National Executive Committee.”

In addition, the motion is seeking “an order restraining INEC from tampering with, or otherwise interfering with, the said leadership records of the 1st defendant, recognising or giving effect to any contrary or competing claims, pending the final determination of this suit.”

The application is a direct response to the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal in a dispute initiated by a former deputy national chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe, before Justice James Omotosho Nwite of the Federal High Court.

In a seven-point argument supporting the motion, Usman contended that the appellate court had expressly ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, a legal principle referring to the last uncontested state of affairs before litigation commenced.

He argued, “As of Sept. 2, 2025, when this action was instituted, the 2nd defendant (Senator David Mark) was the recognised national chairman of the 1st defendant.

“The said leadership structure had already been constituted. The plaintiff had already resigned his prior office and had no subsisting role within the party.”

The senior advocate further submitted that INEC acted under a misinterpretation of the appellate court’s directive by removing the names of the party’s leadership, thereby creating what he described as a vacuum within the party’s structure.

According to him, the electoral umpire’s decision amounts to a position of non-recognition that is inconsistent with the true intent of the Court of Appeal’s order and capable of undermining the substance of the pending suit.

Usman added, “The law is settled that a mandatory injunction may be granted at an interlocutory stage to restore a party to the position wrongfully altered.

“This is a proper case for the exercise of the equitable jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

In a related application also filed on April 7 but dated April 2, the applicant is seeking an accelerated hearing of the case, citing the urgency and far-reaching implications of the dispute on the party’s operations.

The motion urges the court to abridge the time within which parties are to file and exchange processes and to order a day-to-day hearing until the matter is finally determined.

Justifying the request, the lawyer argued that the suit raises fundamental issues affecting the leadership structure of a registered political party and has broader implications for democratic governance and political participation.

He stated that the Court of Appeal had already directed that the matter be heard expeditiously, warning that the lingering uncertainty over the party’s leadership is hampering its internal administration and political activities.

Usman further noted that the situation could encourage the emergence of parallel structures and conflicting claims within the party if not urgently resolved.

“The continued pendency of the suit is capable of rendering the subject matter nugatory,” he said.

Court records show that the dispute dates back to September 2025, when the trial judge declined an ex parte application filed by Gombe seeking to halt the activities of the Mark-led leadership pending the determination of the suit.

The court, instead, ordered the plaintiff to put all defendants on notice to show cause why the application should not be granted.

Following the development, the Mark-led leadership challenged the jurisdiction of the trial court at the Court of Appeal, which subsequently directed parties to return to the lower court and maintain the status quo ante bellum.

In the substantive suit, Gombe listed the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, INEC and Ralph Nwosu as the 1st to 5th defendants.

Nwosu, a former national chairman of the party, had earlier stepped down, paving the way for Mark’s emergence as the leader of the party.

Despite the developments, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said on Channel Television recently that the ADC would contest the 2027 general election despite the challenges facing it.

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The Peoples Democratic Party bloc, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, held a meeting on Wednesday with former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the African Democratic Congress, as part of a political realignment for the 2027 election.

The party leaders reportedly agreed to form a strategic alliance aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming polls.

Impeccable insiders within the PDP and ADC camps, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, disclosed that the closed-door meeting held at David Mark’s Apo, Abuja residence centred on collaboration between the PDP and ADC, the choice of platform, terms of engagement, and power-sharing arrangements, as consultations continue to deepen.

However, the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a statement issued by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee through its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, dismissed reports linking the PDP to any alliance talks with the ADC.

Speaking to journalists after the two-hour high-level meeting, Gov Makinde described the gathering as ‘’a show of solidarity.’’

The major opposition parties, the PDP and ADC, are currently grappling with internal leadership crises, marked by the emergence of rival factions and ongoing court disputes.

Additionally, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has tightened its grip on the PDP, while the Independent National Electoral Commission, on April 1, de-recognised the David Mark-led ADC.

Opposition leaders who were at the Wednesday meeting include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, factional PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, SAN, former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Peter Obi (Anambra), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, and PDP National Secretary, Taofeeq Arapaja.

Others were the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and his PDP counterpart, Ini Ememobong.

Makinde stated that the meeting aimed to reaffirm their commitment to a genuinely democratic environment in the country.

“We came here to visit the leadership of the ADC. We are on a solidarity visit. We have seen what has been happening within the political space, including the protest today.

“So, we came to show solidarity and to commit to a truly democratic space in our country.”

The governor declined further comment when asked if they had agreed to work together.

After the meeting, Ememobong issued a statement noting that the gathering underscored the need for vigilance against actions that could threaten democratic principles and political plurality.

He said, “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party paid a solidarity visit to the leadership of the African Democratic Congress over the recent political attacks targeted at Nigeria’s opposition parties.

“During the visit, the PDP acknowledged the growing and shared threat confronting opposition political parties in the country, noting that similar pressures have been experienced by the PDP in recent times. The delegation emphasised the need for vigilance in the face of actions capable of undermining democratic principles and political plurality.”

“In their response, the ADC leadership expressed appreciation to the PDP for the visit and reiterated the existential threat facing democracy in Nigeria, particularly through the targeted weakening of major opposition parties. Both parties affirmed the need for continued engagement in defence of democratic values and institutions.”

A source confirmed that the parties have agreed to collaborate on a common platform to unseat President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

He stated, “So, this is an expanded stakeholders’ meeting. If you recall, Makinde, Atiku, and a few others met some time ago in Minna. But this time around, it is expanded, and they discussed quite a number of issues.

“They deliberated on developments within the political parties, mainly the opposition parties, and how the Tinubu administration is allegedly attempting to stifle the opposition, including through the judiciary.

‘’On that basis, they resolved that they must work and strategise together on all fronts to ensure there is a credible alternative for Nigeria. The opposition leaders are determined to prevent a one-man or one-party state.

“They also resolved to form an alliance and work together to unseat Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Regarding the platform to contest on, they agreed that, with only a few days left before INEC begins to require submissions from political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, they will closely monitor developments.’’

“They noted that some matters in the PDP are still pending before the courts, and they will also observe developments surrounding the ADC, including issues involving INEC. While they agreed in principle to operate on a common platform, whether it will be the ADC, PDP, or another opposition party will be decided in the coming days after reviewing these developments,” the insider explained.

Another high-ranking source revealed that the conditions for working together were deliberated on and would be made public after briefing their members.

“Yes, they have agreed to work together at the meeting. It was a session where they discussed certain conditions and arrangements on how they will operate as a team. Some of these conditions will be made public after further deliberations.

“They agreed to work together to confront the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, while also ensuring that INEC is held accountable to perform its duties effectively, and that the judiciary is similarly held to account. They also discussed several conditions and resolved that members should return to brief their respective groups.

‘’They will reconvene soon to finalise other issues, including the choice of platform and other related matters.”

In response, the PDP bloc backed by the FCT minister disclaimed the planned collaboration between the PDP and the ADC.

Mohammed in statement on Wednesday stated, “The Peoples Democratic Party has noted with concern the circulation of misleading reports alleging that it held a meeting with the African Democratic Congress.

“The PDP categorically states that it has not held any meeting, formal or informal, with the ADC or any of its representatives.

“The PDP firmly states that no such meeting was convened or authorised by the party. Any persons reported to have participated in such engagements did so purely in their individual capacities and cannot be deemed to represent the PDP in any form.

“Accordingly, the party urges its members, supporters, and the general public to disregard these baseless claims, as they do not reflect the position or activities of the party.

“Furthermore, the PDP wishes to inform its members that preparations for the conduct of Party primaries have progressed significantly. Further details regarding timelines and guidelines will be communicated in due course.”

Mohammad added that the PDP remains focused on its internal processes and is committed to providing credible leadership and direction for the Nigerian people.

Earlier on Wednesday, the leaders of the ADC, including Atiku, Obi, Amaechi,  Kwankwaso and other party stakeholders, stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding the formal recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Prof. Joseph Amupitan.

The opposition leaders, alongside hundreds of supporters, converged at the Maitama Roundabout in Abuja before marching to the INEC headquarters, displaying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Save Democracy,’ ‘Tinubu, Why Are You Afraid?’ ‘Let the Opposition Breathe,’ ‘All Eyes on the Judiciary,’ ‘Operation Defend Democracy,’ ‘INEC Must Recognise Mark-Led ADC,’ and ‘Mark Is Our Leader,’ among others.

In a protest letter dated April 8, submitted to INEC, signed by the party’s embattled National Chairman, Mark, and National Secretary,  Aregbesola, the ADC warned that any failure by the commission to meet their demands would prompt a range of lawful and constitutional measures to enforce accountability, including court action and coordinated civic mobilisation nationwide.

Atiku declared that the party and its allies would firmly resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance, stressing that Nigerians would not allow the enthronement of dictatorship under any guise.

On his part, Obi called on Nigerians to rise in defence of the nation’s democracy, urging citizens to actively participate in safeguarding democratic values and institutions from erosion.

On April 1, the INEC disclosed that it had delisted prominent figures of the ADC, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its official records.

The commission argued that the decision was in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case at the trial court.

The party has remained embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new NWC under Mark’s leadership in July.

The dispute stems from disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which expired in August 2022. While Nwosu was reported to have endorsed the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Gombe, insisted he should assume office as acting chairman after Nwosu’s departure.

The rift subsequently escalated into factional struggles for control, leading to multiple legal battles at both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, and raising concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

In response, Mark, on April 2nd, called for Amupitan’s resignation and affirmed that the party would proceed with all its planned activities.

In another development, a faction supported by the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, on Tuesday in Abuja, unveiled a caretaker committee during a National Executive Committee meeting convened by some state chairmen of the party.

Consequently, the party has now splintered into three factions: one led by Mark representing the coalition bloc, another under Gombe and a NEC-backed group aligned with Kachikwu, headed by Kingsley Ogga, the Kogi State ADC chairman.

In the latest response, contained in a protest letter submitted on Wednesday to the INEC chairman, the ADC leaders stated that recent developments have heightened doubts about Amupitan’s suitability to remain in office as the head of the commission.

The letter read, “Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy and to assume roles far outside the constitutional mandate of the Commission.

“Of grave concern is your attempt to constitute yourself as an interpreter of judicial pronouncements. This is wholly unacceptable. The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary.

‘’For the chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role, offering partisan constructions of legal outcomes in a manner that appears to favour a particular individual, amounts to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.

“Your conduct, taken together with INEC’s earlier correspondence to the African Democratic Congress, reinforces the perception that the commission under your leadership has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests. This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.

“Furthermore, it is a matter of record that the individual in question attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the ADC at which the National Working Committee led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, of which he was a member, was duly dissolved. Having participated in that decision, any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position, or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility.”

The ADC leaders maintained that INEC’s stance on the matter raises significant concerns about partiality and excessive institutional authority.

It further said, “INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative. Its duty is clear: to act strictly within the bounds of the Constitution and the law, with absolute neutrality and professionalism.

“Beyond these infractions, we unequivocally condemn what can only be described as a dangerous and unacceptable attempt to undermine and destroy Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.

‘’Any action, policy, or conduct that tilts the electoral playing field, elevates an aggrieved party member to factional leader, or interferes with the internal autonomy of political parties strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done.

“We state, without equivocation, that the African Democratic Congress will resist any such attempt—lawfully, firmly, and resolutely. Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of political plurality, and no individual or institution will be allowed to erode that foundation through partisan conduct and administrative overreach.

“We acknowledge that the INEC was, and is still populated by many men and women of conscience and integrity who have laboured over the years in the service of our country and the sanctity of its electoral process. But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste by your very conduct, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute and has significantly eroded public confidence.”

The ADC insisted that the basic process which led to the emergence of the Mark-led executive was with INEC’s knowledge, adding that the commission knew the truth but only chose to distort or ignore it.

According to the party leaders, as stated in the letter, the NWC, acting on the directive of the NEC of May 15, 2025, on July 2, 2025, set up a Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs amid its coalition process and internal restructuring.

They further explained that the Caretaker Committee/Interim NWC, led by Senator David Mark as caretaker National Chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as caretaker National Secretary, Abdullahi as caretaker National Publicity Secretary, among others, is mandated to manage the party’s affairs for a minimum of twelve months.

It added, “There was not a single objection or dissenting voice. The report of this NEC meeting was submitted to INEC as directed by the NEC by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi. It was on the basis of this open, transparent process that INEC accepted the new leadership and uploaded the principal officers to its electronic portal.

“From the foregoing, therefore, no member of the former NWC of the party has any right or claim to any office thereafter. You must also be aware that INEC’s own affidavit, deposed at the Federal High Court on September 12, unequivocally confirms all of the foregoing.

‘’We must also bring to your notice that we are aware of efforts being made by INEC under your directive, as well as the pressure being mounted on conscientious INEC officials to recant their testimonies, which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable.

“In light of all the foregoing, we hereby demand: Your immediate resignation from office in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC or your immediate removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.’’

The opposition party further demanded the ‘’immediate withdrawal of INEC’s offensive correspondence to the ADC; A formal apology to the party; and a clear commitment to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.’’

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action.

‘’The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise.”

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, Atiku said the protest was intended to challenge perceived bias in the electoral system and to defend Nigeria’s democracy against authoritarian inclination.

“Other leaders and I of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” Atiku stated.

Addressing supporters, Obi emphasised the need to protect democratic values and resist what he described as a troubling shift toward a one-party system.

“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed.

“We say no to a one-party system, and for that reason, today we are calling on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace and the security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land,” Obi said.

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