The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently embroiled in significant legal and political challenges, manifesting on two primary fronts: a local ward dispute involving a sitting senator and a nationwide leadership crisis that has led to intervention by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These internal turmoils unfold as the party positions itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Peter Lifu rejected an ex parte application seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from participating in ADC activities. The application, filed by Wuse district ward leaders Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, accused Senator Kingibe of engaging in anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and confiscation of ward statutory records. They alleged that she was suspended by her Wuse Ward executives on March 10, 2026, but continued to hold parallel meetings and issue press statements. Justice Lifu ruled that discretion in political matters must be exercised judiciously and judicially, ensuring both parties have an opportunity to present their cases. He directed the plaintiffs to serve Senator Kingibe with court processes to enable her to prepare her defense, adjourning the matter until April 20, 2026, for further hearing. Meanwhile, Abubakar Marshal, a lawyer for the senator, confirmed filing a preliminary objection challenging the suit.

Concurrently, the ADC faces a deeper national leadership crisis stemming from the resignation of former executives led by Ralph Nwosu and the subsequent emergence of a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Senate President David Mark on July 29, 2025. This transition was challenged by Nafiu Bala, a former vice-national chairperson, who argued he should assume leadership according to the party’s constitution. The Court of Appeal, in a ruling on March 12, directed all warring factions and INEC to maintain the 'status quo ante bellum' pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja. This ruling also dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by Mr. Mark's group.

Responding to conflicting letters from both factions after the Appeal Court’s directive, INEC announced on a Wednesday (likely in March/April) its decision to suspend recognition of all ADC leadership factions. The electoral body ceased engaging with any faction, stopped monitoring party meetings, congresses, or conventions, and removed the names of members of Mr. Mark's NWC (including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola) from its portal. INEC also declined Mr. Bala's request to be recognized as acting national chairman, citing its commitment not to prejudice the ongoing court case by taking any steps that could be seen as foisting a fait accompli on the trial court.

The ADC, through its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, strongly rejected INEC’s decision, viewing it as an “onslaught against the party” and an attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to destabilize the opposition. The party alleged that the federal government is pressuring INEC chairperson Joash Amupitan, particularly following the defection of Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC on March 30. Abdullahi claimed that a