ADC Crisis Deepens as State Congresses Collapse Across Nigeria.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
April 10, 2026.
The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated dramatically, casting a long shadow over its planned nationwide congresses and raising fresh concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of its national convention.
What was meant to be a routine democratic exercise has instead unraveled into a patchwork of suspensions, legal battles, and deepening uncertainty across multiple states—signaling a party struggling to maintain internal order at a critical political moment.
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In Adamawa State, the situation took a decisive legal turn when a High Court sitting in Yola halted the planned congresses. Presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Isa, ordered an immediate suspension pending the resolution of a dispute brought before the court. The matter has been adjourned to April 15, further delaying party activities in the state.
A similar judicial intervention occurred in Katsina State, where Justice A. K. Tukur issued an interim injunction freezing all ADC activities. The ruling followed a suit filed by state chairman Usman Wamba, targeting rival figures including Lawan Batagarawa and Babangida Ibrahim Mahuta.
The court’s directive not only restrains the accused individuals from parading themselves as party leaders but also bars the party’s national leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any congress conducted by them—an indication of the judiciary’s attempt to prevent factional escalation.
In Anambra State, the party leadership announced a complete suspension of congress activities. State chairman Patrick Obianyo said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to due process and respect for judicial authority.
He urged members to remain calm and warned against recognising unauthorized individuals claiming leadership positions. According to him, the current executive structure remains valid and recognised by INEC, pending further consultations at the national level.
A similar stance was adopted in Ondo State, where chairman Wole Ademoyegun confirmed the suspension of previously scheduled ward, local government, and state congresses. The decision, he noted, aligns with INEC’s directive to maintain the status quo.
In Niger State, party officials also announced a halt to congresses across all 25 local government areas, reinforcing a growing national pattern of postponements.
In Zamfara State, the situation appears even more uncertain. State chairman Kabiru Garba admitted he had no knowledge of preparations for the congresses, raising questions about internal communication within the party.
“Being the state chairman, I am not aware of any arrangements,” he said in a telephone interview, highlighting the depth of disarray at the state level.
Political analysts say the ADC’s current predicament reflects deeper structural and leadership challenges. Once seen as a rising alternative platform in Nigeria’s multiparty system, the party is now grappling with factional disputes, competing leadership claims, and legal entanglements.
The involvement of courts and INEC underscores the seriousness of the crisis, as both institutions attempt to maintain order and legitimacy in the face of competing interests.
Observers warn that if unresolved, the crisis could weaken the party’s credibility ahead of future elections, potentially alienating supporters and diminishing its political relevance.
With multiple court cases adjourned to mid-April and no clear consensus among stakeholders, the immediate future of the ADC remains uncertain. The planned national convention—once expected to unify the party—now risks being overshadowed by unresolved disputes.
For party members and political watchers alike, the coming days will be critical.
Whether the ADC can navigate its internal (crisis) and emerge stronger—or descend further into fragmentation—will depend largely on its ability to reconcile differences, respect institutional processes, and rebuild trust within its ranks.
Until then, Nigeria’s political landscape watches closely as one of its emerging parties faces a defining test of unity and resilience.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 10TH 2026)
