An internal memo from Nigeria’s electoral commission has raised fresh concerns over the legitimacy of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, intensifying an ongoing crisis that could affect the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
INEC Memo Questions Legitimacy of ADC Caretaker Committee
A document from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified procedural lapses in the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) caretaker leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.
The memo, dated August 6, 2025, was issued following correspondence between the party and INEC concerning meetings that produced the current caretaker committee. It included submissions of the committee’s composition, National Working Committee (NWC), zonal officers, and minutes from the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025.
According to the memo signed by Joan Arabs, Deputy Director of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), the ADC failed to comply with statutory requirements by not giving the mandatory 21-day notice prior to the meeting that led to the formation of the caretaker committee.
INEC cited Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2025, which requires political parties to notify the commission in advance of meetings convened to elect executives or make key structural decisions. The commission noted that non-compliance renders such actions invalid.
The memo further stated that while ADC notified INEC of the NEC meeting that ratified decisions, it did not notify the commission about the earlier meeting where those decisions were initially taken. No official records of that prior meeting were also provided.
Additional Compliance Gaps Identified
Beyond the notice requirement, INEC flagged the party’s failure to submit specimen signatures of the caretaker chairman and secretary—another procedural requirement.
The commission recommended withholding recognition of the new leadership until proper documentation, including names, signatures, and an effective date of commencement, is formally submitted.
The memo also questioned the sequence of decisions within the party. It noted that the caretaker committee’s appointment appeared to have been made outside the NEC, with the NEC only ratifying earlier resolutions of the NWC. Under normal procedure, actions must precede ratification and be properly documented with the commission.
Appeal Court Ruling Compounds Crisis
The leadership dispute escalated further after INEC, citing a ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, withdrew recognition of the Mark-led leadership.
The development has cast doubt on the ADC’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, particularly with its planned national convention scheduled for April 14.
Despite this, the party has insisted it will proceed with the convention, maintaining that INEC’s role at such events is supervisory and that it has already fulfilled the notice requirement.
Legal Battles Intensify Within and Outside Party
The crisis has also moved to the courts. Former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, is challenging the legitimacy of the current leadership.
Gombe argues that he should be recognised as the rightful chairman, claiming that the resignation of previous executives automatically elevated him to the position since he did not step down.
Meanwhile, the ADC has announced plans to sue INEC, accusing the commission of misinterpreting the appellate court’s directive to maintain the “status quo.”
Speaking on behalf of the Katsina State chapter, Lawal Tukur-Batagarawa described INEC’s decision to remove the party’s leadership from its official portal as “mischievous” and legally flawed. He said the party’s legal team is preparing to challenge the action in court.
Opposition Weighs Alternatives Amid Uncertainty
Amid the uncertainty, opposition figures are reportedly considering alternative political platforms should the ADC crisis remain unresolved.
Sources indicate that parties such as the Action Peoples Party (APP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are being evaluated as potential options ahead of the 2027 elections.
Concerns have been raised that continued disputes—and INEC’s refusal to recognise the current leadership—could invalidate any congresses or primaries conducted by the party, ultimately preventing it from fielding candidates.
There are also fears that the legal tussle could disrupt the submission of party membership registers, with deadlines for the electoral cycle approaching.
Membership Surge Despite Leadership Turmoil
Despite the ongoing crisis, the ADC reports a significant increase in membership. According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, over 500,000 new members registered within days following INEC’s April 1 announcement derecognising the leadership.
The party views the surge as a sign of public support, even as legal and procedural challenges continue to threaten its stability.
