Confusion as ADC faction sets April 3 for national convention

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fixedApril 3 to 5 for the election of new members of the national working committee(NWC). In a statement issued on Sunday, the ADC faction said partyexecutives at the ward, LGA, state, and national congresses will be electedthrough consensus. In a timetable outlining activities leading up to thenational convention, the party said ward congresses will take place on March19, followed by LGA congresses on March 24, and state congresses on March 28. The group said the decision was taken to promote unity,inclusivity, and internal cohesion. “This decision is taken in accordance with the party’sconstitution and the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), in furtherance of itscommitment to promoting unity, cohesion, and inclusiveness within the party,”the statement reads. “The BOT/NWC believes that the consensus approach willfoster greater cooperation, understanding, and collective leadership,ultimately strengthening the party’s ability to achieve its goals andobjectives.” The ADC faction also announced the commencement of amembership registration exercise for new members, which will run from March 14to 25. The party said new members are expected to register at theirrespective ward offices and obtain membership cards through the party’scontinuous membership registration committee (CMRC). “This exercise is strictly for new members; existing membersare not required to renew their membership at this time,” the party said. The group said issues arising from the various congresseswould be addressed accordingly, with petitions from the national conventionexpected to be resolved between April 6 and 10. The ADC faction said the “ongoing electronic membershipmobilisation, registration, and revalidation exercise being conducted by thecoalition linked to the party” is illegitimate. The group said the exercise does not follow the proceduresoutlined in the party’s constitution, adding that the official onlinemembership registration portal would be released later through the party’sauthorised channels. The statement was jointly signed by Nafi’u Bala, thefactional national chairman, and Rufus Ikanmi, secretary of the board oftrustees (BOT). On Saturday, the ADC coalition, led by David Mark, scheduledApril 14 for the election of the party’s national officers.

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