The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared it will go ahead with its nationwide congresses starting April 9, 2026, despite strong warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), escalating tensions between the opposition party and the electoral regulator.
In a notice issued from its Abuja headquarters and signed by spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the party—led by National Chairman David Mark—insisted it had fulfilled all legal requirements, including formally notifying INEC of its planned activities.
The ADC outlined a tight schedule: screening of aspirants on April 7, appeals on April 8, grassroots congresses at polling unit, ward, and local government levels on April 9, followed by appeals on April 10.
State congresses are slated for April 11, with appeals on April 12, culminating in a national convention on April 14.
INEC, however, has cautioned that proceeding could violate existing court orders tied to ongoing litigation involving the party.
Speaking on Arise News, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan stressed that all parties must respect judicial directives, warning that defiance could carry serious consequences—including possible disqualification from elections.
He noted that the court had explicitly instructed parties to avoid actions that could interfere with ongoing proceedings, adding that the ADC’s planned congresses are already part of the matters before the court.
Citing past precedents in Zamfara and Plateau states, INEC warned that failure to comply with court orders could invalidate future electoral victories, even after candidates are declared winners.
The standoff deepened earlier this week when INEC suspended recognition of the David Mark-led faction of the ADC and removed its leadership from the commission’s official portal, citing a court order.
In response, the ADC accused INEC of bias and called for the resignation of its chairman, alleging attempts to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
