According to a report by The Punch on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated, as state chairmen of the party move to assume control and prevent a vacuum at the national level.
The decision follows the removal of the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
The electoral body acted in line with a Court of Appeal directive ordering all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing suit.
Speaking on the development, Chairman of ADC state chairmen, Temitope Ogga, said the move to form a caretaker committee was necessary to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He confirmed that the National Executive Committee, made up largely of state chairmen, would meet to appoint an interim leadership.
Ogga maintained that the state chairmen remain the next recognised authority under the party’s constitution, stressing that immediate action was needed to protect the party’s structure and supporters.
He also questioned the legitimacy of any convention organised by the disputed national leadership, noting that such activities would be invalid without INEC’s supervision and approval.
Despite the developments, the Mark-led NWC has rejected INEC’s position, accusing the commission of bias and misinterpreting the court order. The faction insists it will proceed with its planned national convention in Abuja.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that any political activity conducted outside official recognition will not be accepted by the commission.
The crisis reflects ongoing internal divisions within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to control. Party leaders say resolving the dispute quickly is crucial to maintaining support and strengthening their position ahead of future elections.
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