ADC Leadership Crises Intensify in Multiple States Ahead of May 12 Inauguration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is confronting escalating leadership crises across several states, raising alarms that persistent internal disputes and legal battles could severely undermine the party's structural integrity and electoral prospects in upcoming political contests. With the inauguration of newly elected state executives scheduled for May 12, 2026, the deepening rifts threaten to derail efforts at unity and cohesion.
Adamawa State: Legal Battles and Polarization
In Adamawa State, the crisis has reached a critical juncture, with opposing factions increasingly resorting to ex parte court orders. Political observers warn that this trend is further polarizing party members and complicating reconciliation efforts. Key stakeholders, including Babachir Lawal, Aisha Binani, Ishaku Abbo, Jibrilla Bindow, and Shehu Yohanna, are embroiled in the conflict, their alignments significantly shaping the party's dynamics. Amid the turmoil, calls have intensified for a reconciliation process modeled after the consensus-driven framework in Kano State under Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, seen as a successful example of political harmonization. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is playing a central role in mediation efforts, though insiders emphasize that sustained engagement is needed to resolve deep-seated differences.
Ebonyi State: APC Mocks ADC's Parallel Congresses
In Ebonyi State, the ADC's internal strife has drawn mockery from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Parallel congresses produced separate leadership factions, with one electing Silas Onu as chairman and another electing Mrs. Jennifer Nwafor. Onu, in his acceptance speech at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki, vowed that the ADC under his leadership would wrest power from the APC in 2027, fielding candidates for all positions, including the governorship. However, APC Chairman Stanley Okoro-Emegha, through his media aide Chijioke Agwu, urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal crises rather than targeting the APC, highlighting the opposition party's fragmented state.
Plateau State: Dual Congresses and Leadership Claims
Plateau ADC witnessed parallel state congresses on Saturday evening, resulting in two chairmen. The faction led by Hanatu Gagara held its congress at Adewusi House on Murtala Mohammed Way in Jos, while the camp of Samuel Gyang, spearheaded by former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, convened at Kalwa House, the party's state secretariat. Dalung emphasized that the congress would determine the future of ADC in Plateau, urging members to respect the contestants as respected Nigerians who have paid their dues. The dual leadership claims add to the party's instability in the region.
Ogun State: Factional Divisions and Accusations
Similarly, the Ogun chapter experienced parallel factions producing two different state executives. One congress at the party's secretariat in Itoko, Abeokuta, returned Femi Soluade as chairman, led by Moshood Salvador, while another at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) produced Emmanuel Famojuro as chairman, led by Olatunji Shoyinka. Salvador condemned the OOPL congress, accusing former minister Rauf Aregbesola of attempting to split the party and urging the new executive to shun corruption and resist intimidation by the APC. In contrast, Shoyinka asserted that the national leadership would only recognize Famojuro's faction as authentic.
National Response and Inauguration Plans
Amid the crises, ADC has officially released updated lists for its Convention Committee and Subcommittees ahead of the forthcoming national convention. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party aims to strengthen coordination and ensure a smooth, credible convention. The party congratulated state executives on the peaceful conduct of their congresses, describing the process as a reflection of ADC's commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law. The inauguration of newly elected officials is set for May 12, 2026, with officials urged to align with the leadership direction of National Chairman Senator David Mark and work to strengthen the party nationwide.
Convention Committee Composition
The official list for the National Convention Central Coordination Committee includes former Cross River State governor Senator Liyel Imoke as chairman, with Tambuwal serving as vice chairman and Dr. Ajuji Ahmed as secretary. Other notable members comprise Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Imo governor Achike Udenwa, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha, and others. Slight changes include former PDP National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbodiyon heading the Media and Publicity Committee, Lauretta Onochie leading the New Media sub-committee, and Chille Igbawua as Vice Chairman of the Electoral Affairs committee.
Analysts warn that if the ADC fails to manage these crises carefully, the instability could create opportunities for the APC to gain political advantage. The future of the party in affected states hinges on how quickly leaders can close ranks and present a united front in an increasingly competitive political landscape.
