The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will hold its national convention on April 14 as planned, the party confirmed, brushing aside a warning from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC had cautioned that the congress could violate court orders and attract legal penalties, citing ongoing litigation over the party's leadership. The electoral body suspended recognition of the ADC in February following disputes over its national leadership structure. Despite this, ADC national secretary Idris Waziri stated the party "will not be deterred" and described the convention as a constitutional right. The event is set to take place in Abuja, with delegates from across the country expected to attend. INEC maintains that any decisions taken at the convention may not be recognised if they contravene existing court rulings.
Holding a convention while under suspension makes the ADC's actions a direct challenge to both INEC and the judiciary. Idris Waziri's defiance signals the party is prioritising internal politics over legal clarity. With court cases still pending, any leadership emerging from the April 14 event will face immediate legitimacy questions. For Nigerian voters, this deepens confusion about which opposition voices operate within, or outside, the legal framework.
