Leadership Turmoil Continues in African Democratic Congress
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) continues to grapple with significant leadership challenges, as disclosed by a recent document from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This memorandum, dated August 6, 2025, outlines serious inconsistencies in the current leadership structure led by former Senate President David Mark.
Independent Review Highlights Flaws in ADC Leadership
The INEC document details exchanges between the ADC and the commission concerning the formation of the party’s caretaker committee. It includes the ADC’s Management Committee roster, the National Working Committee (NWC), and regional officials, all ratified in a meeting held in July 2025 and highlights discussions from the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting conducted on July 29, 2025.
Notice Requirements Ignored, According to INEC
A memo from Joan Arabs, Deputy Director of the Electoral Monitoring Commission (EPMC), stated that the ADC did not meet the necessary 21-day notification requirement for convening its caretaker committee meeting, as mandated by Article 82(5) of the Elections Act. Consequently, the legitimacy of any resulting decisions from this meeting is called into question.
ADC Fails to Provide Necessary Documentation
Arabs emphasized that without proper notification, the actions taken by the ADC would be invalid. The party did inform the commission about the NEC meeting held on July 29, 2025, which ratified some resolutions but failed to clarify the date when the caretaker committee’s decisions would take effect. Furthermore, sample signatures from the Interim Chair and the Executive Director were not submitted, underscoring ongoing procedural shortcomings.
Dispute Over Interim Committee Appointment
The memo further noted that the ADC claimed to have sent details of its Interim National Working Committee, but this appears inconsistent with its earlier statements suggesting that such appointments would require NEC ratification. The memo highlighted discrepancies in how the interim committee was formed, raising questions about its legitimacy.
Political Fallout from INEC’s Revocation of ADC Recognition
Recently, INEC revoked its recognition of the ADC under David Mark’s leadership, referring to a recent judgment from the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. This decision poses serious risks to the party’s prospects in the upcoming 2027 general elections, particularly with its national convention scheduled for April 14. Nevertheless, the ADC has asserted its intent to proceed with the convention, asserting that INEC’s role is merely to monitor the event.
Legal Challenges and Growing Membership amidst Turmoil
In light of the leadership crisis, the ADC is considering legal action against INEC, accusing the commission of a “mischievous” interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling regarding its leadership. Lawal Tukur Batagalawa, speaking on behalf of the ADC’s Katsina State Chapter, indicated plans to seek judicial review to contest INEC’s recent actions. Concurrently, the ADC reported a surge in membership registrations since the revocation, with over 500,000 new sign-ups recorded shortly after INEC’s announcement.
Political Landscape in Kano Under Scrutiny
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared the ADC politically insignificant within the state, describing it as “dead on arrival.” His comments reflect broader concerns regarding internal party conflicts, with the governor emphasizing the importance of unity among his supporters and a commitment to governance and infrastructure development ahead of the 2027 elections.
