ADC crisis widens as states halt congresses

The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a fresh twist, with several state chapters suspending their planned congresses following the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the party’s leadership dispute.

INEC had stepped back from recognising any faction within the party, effectively drawing a line amid the growing tussle for control at the national level. That decision appears to have filtered down quickly, forcing state structures to halt internal processes rather than risk conducting congresses that could later be voided.

Across the affected states, party officials are now treading carefully. There is a clear understanding that moving ahead without regulatory backing could deepen the crisis and expose the party to avoidable legal trouble.

At the heart of the dispute are rival camps laying claim to the party’s leadership, including blocs aligned with David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. With both sides holding their ground, the situation has created confusion within the party’s rank and file.

INEC’s stance, which is tied to ongoing litigation, has only reinforced the uncertainty. By refusing to recognise any of the factions for now, the commission has effectively frozen party activities at a critical time when internal alignments are expected to take shape ahead of future elections.

What is playing out is no longer a routine disagreement. It is a full-blown internal standoff. From the national level down to the states, the party is struggling to maintain a unified structure, with different interests pulling in opposite directions.

The decision by state chapters to suspend congresses may appear cautious, but it also reflects the depth of the crisis. Many within the party are unwilling to take steps that could later be challenged in court or dismissed by the electoral body.

For the ADC, the timing could not be worse. With political realignments already building momentum ahead of 2027, the party risks losing ground if it remains stuck in internal battles.

Until there is clarity either from the courts or through a political resolution the uncertainty is likely to persist, leaving the party in a weakened position at a time it should be consolidating.