The planned national convention of the African Democratic Congress has been thrown into uncertainty following escalating internal disputes and disruptions to its state congresses across the country.
Several states, including Ondo, Anambra, Sokoto and Bayelsa, suspended their congresses amid factional disagreements, raising concerns about the party’s ability to proceed with its national convention as scheduled.
The crisis intensified after the Independent National Electoral Commission withdrew recognition from the party’s interim leadership led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. A rival faction also emerged, with Nafiu Bala Gombe laying claim to the party’s leadership, further deepening divisions.
In response, state chairmen from 25 states set up a 20-member interim committee led by Kingsley Temitope Ogah, insisting the move aligns with the party’s constitution and is aimed at restoring order.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday as prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Aminu Tambuwal, led a protest to the INEC headquarters in Abuja. The leaders accused the electoral body of interfering in the party’s internal affairs and demanded the removal of its chairman over alleged bias.
In a joint letter signed by Mark and Aregbesola, the party leaders condemned INEC’s actions, arguing that the commission has no constitutional authority to interpret court judgments or meddle in party leadership disputes. They warned of possible legal action and civic mobilisation if their demands are not met.
Speaking during the protest, Atiku said the demonstration was a stand against any attempt to undermine democracy, while Obi warned against the dangers of a one-party system and declining public confidence in the electoral process. Kwankwaso and Tambuwal also stressed the need to protect the integrity and independence of the electoral system.
Aregbesola, on his part, said the protest reflected growing public frustration over governance and economic challenges, adding that credible elections remain critical to restoring trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Despite the national crisis, the situation remains mixed across states, with some chapters proceeding with congresses, others suspending indefinitely, and a few yet to take a clear position, further casting doubt on the feasibility of a unified national convention.
