Abuja, Nigeria — A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to convene a national convention and appoint interim leaders to oversee the party’s affairs, signaling a major step toward resolving the prolonged internal leadership crisis that has plagued the party for nearly two years.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the faction’s spokesperson, Norman Obinna, following an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja. According to Obinna, the meeting included several state chairmen and key stakeholders, all concerned about the party’s weakened organizational structure.
Obinna explained that the meeting aimed to tackle ongoing disputes that have undermined the ADC’s cohesion. While earlier dialogue had produced an agreement to hold a national convention to usher in new leadership, the resolution had not been implemented for nearly two years, leaving the party without a functional leadership structure and creating uncertainty among members nationwide.
Highlighting previous concerns, Obinna criticized the actions of the former leadership under Ralph Nwosu, alleging that there were attempts to hand over party control to unregistered individuals and efforts to remove state chairmen who refused to align with that leadership. Legal challenges had already been initiated to contest these actions, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intervened regarding the party’s leadership disputes.
Since the ADC has not had a National Working Committee (NWC) since August 2022, Obinna stated that the NEC remains the highest decision-making body, empowered to take necessary steps to stabilize the party.
The faction also clarified its stance regarding political coalitions. It distanced the ADC from a coalition allegedly linked to figures such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi, warning that any actions taken in the name of the party by that coalition are invalid.
Obinna also rejected claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe regarding any leadership position, stating clearly that Gombe has never held the office of Deputy National Chairman. “The ADC remains a party for all Nigerians and not for a select group of individuals,” he stressed, accusing the opposing faction of attempting to monopolize control at the expense of long-standing members.
The faction confirmed that Dumebi Kachikwu remains a recognized member and continues to play an active role in the party’s affairs. It also called on diplomatic missions in Nigeria to avoid engagement with the rival coalition, warning that such interactions do not reflect the legitimate position of the ADC.
To restore order, the faction announced the appointment of interim leaders to manage the party’s day-to-day operations ahead of the proposed national convention. The group has urged INEC to recognize the interim arrangement as a legitimate step toward stabilizing the party and ending the prolonged leadership crisis.
“The planned convention is expected to finally bring an end to the internal crisis and provide a fresh start for the ADC,” Obinna said, emphasizing that the move is designed to strengthen the party ahead of future political activities.
The announcement reflects a growing trend among Nigerian political parties to address internal governance challenges through formal mechanisms such as conventions, interim appointments, and NEC-led interventions, especially when leadership disputes threaten to weaken party influence and coherence.
The ADC’s move to resolve its leadership crisis could have broader implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. By restoring order and clarifying legitimate leadership structures, the party positions itself to more effectively participate in upcoming elections, strengthen grassroots mobilization, and maintain credibility among its members and the electorate.
Political analysts note that protracted internal disputes often erode party cohesion, reduce voter confidence, and create openings for rival parties to capitalize on organizational weaknesses. The ADC’s planned convention and interim leadership appointments represent an attempt to rebuild trust, consolidate authority, and prevent further fragmentation.
With INEC recognition and successful implementation of the national convention, the ADC could emerge from the crisis with a renewed mandate and clearer leadership hierarchy, enabling it to focus on broader political and policy objectives ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
