Adamawa’s opposition landscape was thrown into fresh chaos on Thursday as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) pressed ahead with its ward congresses despite deepening internal divisions, court battles, and explosive allegations of a leadership hijack.
The crisis rocking the party intensified following legal actions reportedly backed by a faction loyal to Senator Aishatu Binani, who is challenging the legitimacy of the congress process. The faction has accused former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, of orchestrating a takeover of party structures ahead of the exercise.
Despite the legal fireworks, the party’s state leadership under Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin insisted that the congresses would proceed as planned across all wards.
In a statement issued by Martins Yanatham Dickson, Head of Media and Publicity of the ADC State Transition Implementation Committee, members were directed to mobilise en masse.
“This is to inform registered members of the African Democratic Congress that the Unit, Ward and Local Government party congress slated for today, April 9, 2026, will hold as scheduled and communicated by the National Headquarters.
“Critical sensitive materials and logistical arrangements are being sorted out.
“All registered party members are strongly advised to mobilize across the 226 wards of the state for the congress,” the statement read.
However, the unfolding drama has further exposed the widening cracks within the party, with multiple factions laying claim to legitimacy.
Adding fuel to the fire, Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo openly accused both Babachir Lawal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of failing to provide credible leadership for the party.
Abbo alleged that the duo’s actions have deepened divisions within the ADC, leaving it fragmented and weakened at a critical political moment.
This comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC. Last Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced plans to remove the names of Senator David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as leaders of the party, citing a pending court dispute over the ADC’s leadership.
INEC also declared that it would suspend recognition of any ADC faction or leadership until the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers a final ruling on the matter.
The decision was detailed in a press statement issued on Wednesday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to INEC, the move follows “preservatory orders” issued by the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, involving Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
According to the commission, “the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark… would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum.”
The commission explained that the court had directed all parties to maintain the existing situation before the suit was filed and to refrain from actions that could undermine the ongoing proceedings.
“Parties are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante bellum and shall refrain from taking any step… capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court,” INEC quoted from the appellate court ruling.
INEC further disclosed that it received conflicting legal communications from parties involved in the dispute, with one faction warning against recognising Nafiu Bala as acting chairman, while another demanded full enforcement of the appellate court’s judgment.
Amid the legal tussle, the commission said it would no longer engage with any faction of the ADC.