The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the official timetable for its 2026 nationwide congresses and national convention, outlining a schedule that will guide the renewal of the party’s leadership structures across the country.
In a statement released by the party, the ADC said the exercise is part of its constitutional responsibility to periodically reorganize and strengthen its internal leadership framework at all levels of the organization.
According to the party, the congress process will begin at the grassroots and gradually progress through higher administrative levels before culminating in the national convention, where key party leadership positions will be determined.
The ADC explained that the structured process is intended to promote internal democracy within the party while ensuring that members have the opportunity to participate actively in shaping its leadership and direction.
Party officials said the congresses will take place across different tiers of the party’s structure, starting from polling units and wards before moving to local government and state levels.
The exercise will conclude with a national convention that will bring together party delegates from across Nigeria.
Under the approved timetable, the first phase of the exercise will involve polling unit and ward congresses. These grassroots-level meetings are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
During these congresses, party members at the local level will elect representatives and officials who will participate in subsequent stages of the process.
The next stage will be the local government area congresses, which are scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026. Delegates emerging from the ward congresses will participate in these gatherings to elect officials responsible for coordinating party activities at the local government level.
Following the local government congresses, the party will hold state congresses on Saturday, April 11, 2026. At this stage, delegates from across each state will convene to elect members of the party’s state leadership structures and nominate representatives for the national convention.
The final stage of the process will be the National Convention, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The convention is expected to attract party leaders, delegates, and members from across the country and will serve as the platform for electing the party’s national leadership as well as making key policy decisions.
According to the party’s statement, the congresses and convention form an essential part of the ADC’s internal governance system and are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the party.
The leadership of the ADC emphasized that the exercise will help reposition the party ahead of future political activities and strengthen its organizational capacity across Nigeria.
Party officials also said the congresses are intended to provide members with the opportunity to contribute to the party’s growth and strategic direction.
By renewing its leadership structures through the congress process, the ADC aims to reinforce its commitment to democratic principles within the organization.
The party called on its members nationwide to participate actively in the exercise, noting that broad participation would help ensure a smooth, transparent and credible process.
Party leaders stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among members throughout the congress period to avoid disputes and maintain order during the various stages of the exercise.
They also urged party stakeholders to adhere strictly to the approved timetable and guidelines to guarantee that the process is conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution.
The African Democratic Congress is one of several political parties operating within Nigeria’s multiparty political system. Over the years, the party has participated in national and state elections while seeking to expand its influence and membership base.
Observers say internal party congresses play a crucial role in shaping the leadership and strategic direction of political parties in Nigeria.
Such exercises often determine who will occupy key positions within party structures, influence candidate selection processes, and set the tone for future electoral campaigns.
With the announcement of the timetable, preparations are expected to begin across the country as party members organize meetings and mobilize supporters for the upcoming congresses.
The ADC leadership expressed confidence that the scheduled congresses and national convention will strengthen the party’s democratic culture and prepare it for future political engagements in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
