The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced it will proceed with its congresses and national convention in April 2026, defying the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) derecognition of its leadership. Spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed the schedule in a notice released on Friday, stating the process begins with aspirant screening on April 7, 2026, and ends with the national convention on April 14, 2026. The party claims it had formally notified INEC of the plans in letters dated February 27 and March 28, 2026. "Despite INEC's illegal actions, the African Democratic Congress will continue with its congresses as scheduled," the notice stated. The move follows INEC's decision to delist the leadership faction led by former Senate President David Mark. ADC has rejected the delisting and called for the resignation of INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. Amupitan, however, maintained the commission's position is tied to a pending court case and warned that any convention held in disregard of judicial processes could render future electoral wins by the party unenforceable.
ADC's decision to press on with its convention despite losing INEC recognition exposes a growing rift between party factions and the electoral body, with David Mark's leadership now operating without official backing. The party's insistence on proceeding may energize its base, but Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan's warning carries weight—any candidate emerging from an unrecognized process risks being barred from office even if votes are won. This standoff could leave ADC voters disenfranchised in 2027, not by choice but by procedure. Political defiance without legal cover rarely ends well at the ballot box.
