The United Kingdom has affirmed that the presence of its officials at the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja is a standard practice in diplomacy, despite the party's internal crises. While ADC leaders claimed a three-member British High Commission delegation, led by Political Secretary Thomas Samson, was present, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated that its officials routinely attend political and civic engagements. The FCDO spokesperson explained that such attendance reflects the UK Government’s commitment to engaging with Nigeria's democratic process and supporting its institutions and electoral integrity. This engagement, however, comes amid observations that it is not common for foreign envoys to attend party conventions or be introduced to the audience, even if diplomatic missions maintain contact with various political stakeholders.

In contrast to the UK's position, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria explicitly denied the presence of its ambassador, Yu Dunhai, or any Chinese diplomat at the ADC event. An embassy official clarified that an Asian man, who some ADC officials, including Dino Melaye and Rauf Aregbesola, claimed was the Chinese envoy, was unknown to the embassy.

The ADC's convention itself was fraught with internal disputes and legal challenges. National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining the party’s national convention by refusing to monitor the exercise. Aregbesola asserted that the party had met all legal requirements under Section 82 of the Electoral Act, including providing the mandatory 21-day notice to INEC. He alleged that INEC was misinterpreting a Court of Appeal ruling and acting in a manner that could weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that 'Democracy without opposition is autocracy'. The party is reportedly planning a multi-party summit to foster cooperation among opposition groups.

Adding to the controversy, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, dismissed claims that the ruling party was orchestrating opposition crises. Basiru specifically targeted factions within the ADC, describing their actions as unlawful given existing judicial pronouncements. He referenced a Court of Appeal judgment directing parties in the ADC dispute to maintain the 'status quo antebellum', arguing that proceeding with a convention under such circumstances directly contravenes the law. Basiru questioned attempts to link the crisis to President Bola Tinubu, asserting that allegations of APC undermining other parties were unfounded. He highlighted that many other registered political parties in Nigeria operate without similar persistent crises, suggesting internal non-compliance with legal frameworks as the root cause. He also cited the APC's past adherence to court orders in states like Zamfara and Rivers, even at political cost, as an example of respecting judicial outcomes.

The disputed ADC convention reportedly resulted in significant decisions, including the expulsion of a factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, and a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, among others, based on alleged anti-party activities. However, critics argue these decisions remain contentious due to ongoing litigation over the party’s leadership. Basiru further articulated that democracy is not merely about individual ambition but is anchored on respect for institutions, rule of law, and freedoms, also defending the state of press freedom in Nigeria as evidence of democratic vitality.

Prominent actor and politician Yul Edochie also criticized the ADC and its recent protest against INEC. In a post on X, Edochie mocked the protest, stating that the