The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is embroiled in a multifaceted crisis, marked by a contentious national convention, a protracted leadership tussle, and escalating disputes at state levels. Despite significant obstacles, including alleged intimidation from government authorities and an ongoing legal battle concerning its leadership, the party proceeded with its national convention today at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, underscoring its defiance against what it describes as "creeping tyranny."

The planned convention faced an immediate hurdle when the proprietor of Rainbow Event Centre, where the event was scheduled, withdrew permission at the last minute. According to Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, the proprietor cited immense pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who allegedly threatened to revoke the facility's license. This alleged pressure came despite ADC having paid all requisite fees and set up for the convention. Earlier, the party had claimed FCT authorities rejected its requests to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, however, vehemently debunked these claims, stating he never received any formal application from ADC to use Eagle Square and clarifying that the National Stadium falls under the National Sports Commission, not the FCT Administration. He dismissed ADC's accusations as attempts to gain public sympathy. Similarly, Transcorp Hilton Hotel also denied social media allegations of denying ADC access, stating no booking was made and no availability existed for the requested dates. Despite these denials and alleged intimidation, work continued at the Rainbow Event Centre, with decorators preparing the hall in ADC colors through the night. Party officials, including Dino Melaye, Chairman of the Convention Protocol Committee, and Kola Ologbondiyan, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-committee, affirmed the convention would proceed as planned, with security beefed up for the estimated 2,500 to 3,000 delegates.

The convention is taking place amidst a severe national leadership crisis within the ADC. Two weeks prior, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognized the David Mark-led party leadership, citing a 12 March ruling by the Court of Appeal. INEC announced it would not engage with either the Mark-led faction or a rival faction led by Nafiu Bala, a former national vice chairman. Both groups protested this decision, with the Mark-led faction demanding the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and other national commissioners, accusing INEC of deliberately misinterpreting the court order.

Adding to the intensity, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal filed by David Mark today (April 22) seeking an order to stay the execution of the appellate court ruling, which had earlier dismissed his appeal relating to the ongoing leadership dispute. The Court of Appeal had upheld an objection by Nafiu Bala Gombe, finding Mark's appeal incompetent on procedural grounds. The ADC's National Working Committee, under David Mark, is expected to be affirmed at the convention, alongside the adoption of an amended party constitution and manifesto.

The crisis extends to other levels, notably in Adamawa State, where a faction of the ADC announced the suspension of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, along with Sadiq Ibrahim (state transition committee chairman), over alleged anti-party activities and fostering disunity. The factional chairman, Raji Zumo, justified the action by stating that no individual is above the party's constitution. However, both Mr. Lawal and the authentic Adamawa State ADC Chairman, Shehu Yohanna, dismissed the suspensions as baseless, with Mr. Yohanna asserting that Zumo was no longer a party member. A High Court in Yola had previously ordered the suspension of planned ADC congresses in the state pending the resolution of a suit filed by Mr. Yohanna, who claimed exclusion from planning.

Further exacerbating the Adamawa crisis, Senator Aisha Dahiru Binani rejected the outcome of congresses conducted by a national headquarters committee led by General Ishaya Bauka, which had produced Barrister Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin. Binani's bloc opted out of the exercise due to "circumstances that surrounded the exercise." A party stalwart, Peter Hardly Dilli, accused a former SGF of orchestrating the crisis and highlighted a disregarded internal agreement to share party structures among three blocs – Senator Binani, Transition, and Legacy/Party – with 33% each, and the Atiku Abubakar bloc allocated 1%. Political analysts warn that if these differences are not addressed urgently, the party could face a significant setback ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nationally, the ADC caucus in the House of Representatives has intensified calls for the removal and prosecution of INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan. They cited "compromising, partisan and conflicted" conduct, alleging Amupitan's social media posts supported the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and showed religious bias, claims INEC has denied. The lawmakers also accused INEC of interfering in ADC's internal affairs by recognizing a faction contrary to its earlier stance and alleged collusion between INEC officials and elements within the judiciary to influence the ongoing court case. They vowed to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) and emphasized the Electoral Act 2026, Section 83(5), which bars courts from entertaining matters related to internal party affairs. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), also warned against political patronage of judges eroding judicial independence.

In Kaduna State, the ADC faced another challenge with the circulation of fake membership cards. The party's Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation (MMRR) Committee, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Sidi Bamalli and Hajiya Hafsat M. Baba, raised an alarm, accusing "agents provocateurs" of distributing counterfeit cards. They clarified that the only recognized party structure in Kaduna aligns with former governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and the ADC National Vice Chairman (North West), Jafaru Ibrahim Sani. The committee stressed that authentic registration occurs through ward offices and an official online portal, with physical verification, and that 50,000 official cards with security features were distributed. Kaduna is reportedly among the top two states nationwide in membership mobilization.

Experts weigh in on the broader implications of these crises. Dr. Edun Abdulkareem, a Political Scientist, noted that the ADC's internal breakdown reflects a failure to learn from older parties' mistakes, stemming from a disregard for due process in leadership transitions. Victor Eboh, a Senior Legal Advisor, described allegations of bias against the INEC Chairman as a serious threat to public trust and democratic stability, advocating for transparent review. Dr. Jide Ojo, a public affairs analyst, suggested the ADC should have exercised caution and possibly postponed its convention until after the Supreme Court's decision on the leadership appeal. Despite these warnings and the myriad of challenges, the African Democratic Congress remains resolute in its determination to navigate its internal disputes and external pressures to assert its place in Nigeria's political landscape, with its national convention serving as a key moment in this ongoing struggle.