ADC Leadership Crisis Escalates in Multiple States Ahead of May 12 Inauguration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis across several states, with internal disputes and legal battles threatening to undermine the party's structure as it prepares for future political contests. The situation has intensified ahead of the scheduled inauguration of newly elected state executives on May 12, 2026, raising alarms about potential fragmentation and electoral vulnerability.
State-Level Factionalism and Parallel Congresses
In Adamawa State, the crisis is particularly acute, with opposing factions increasingly resorting to ex parte court orders, a move that political observers warn is further polarizing party members and complicating unity efforts. The involvement of key stakeholders such as Babachir Lawal, Aisha Binani, Ishaku Abbo, Jibrilla Bindow, and Shehu Yohanna has shaped the dynamics, with their alignments influencing the party's internal strife.
Similarly, in Ebonyi State, the ADC conducted parallel congresses that produced separate leaderships. One faction elected Silas Onu as chairman, while the other chose Mrs. Jennifer Nwafor. Onu, in his acceptance speech, vowed to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, but the APC chairman in the state, Stanley Okoro-Emegha, mocked the opposition, urging them to focus on resolving their internal crises instead.
Plateau State also witnessed parallel state congresses, with two chairmen emerging from different factions. One camp, led by Hanatu Gagara, held its congress at Adewusi House, while the other, led by former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung, used the party's state secretariat. Dalung emphasized that the congress would determine the future of ADC in Plateau, highlighting the high stakes involved.
In Ogun State, two parallel factions produced different state executives. One congress at the party's secretariat returned Femi Soluade as chairman, led by Moshood Salvador, while another at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library produced Emmanuel Famojuro as chairman, led by Olatunji Shoyinka. Salvador accused former minister Rauf Aregbesola of trying to split the party, while Shoyinka asserted that only his faction's executive would be recognized by the national leadership.
Calls for Reconciliation and National Convention Efforts
Amid the turmoil, calls have intensified for a deliberate reconciliation process, with proposals to model it after the consensus-driven political framework seen in Kano State under Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. This Kano model is being suggested as a pathway to restore cohesion within the ADC, particularly in Adamawa. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is playing a central role in mediation efforts, though insiders note that sustained engagement will be necessary to resolve deep-seated differences.
To address the crisis, the ADC has officially released updated lists for its Convention Committee and Subcommittees ahead of its forthcoming national convention. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party aims to strengthen coordination and ensure a smooth and credible convention. The committee will be chaired by former Cross River State governor Senator Liyel Imoke, with Tambuwal serving as vice chairman and Dr. Ajuji Ahmed as secretary.
Other notable members of the 22-member planning committee include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Imo governor Achike Udenwa. Additional figures such as former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and former Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha are also involved, with Kola Ologbodiyon heading the Media and Publicity Committee and Lauretta Onochie leading the New Media sub-committee.
APC Mockery and Future Implications
Analysts warn that if the ADC's instability is not carefully managed, it could create an opening for the APC to gain political advantage. The APC has already mocked the ADC in Ebonyi State, highlighting the opposition's internal divisions as a weakness. The ADC, in response, has expressed confidence that under its state-level leadership, it will continue to grow and strengthen connections with citizens, but the persistent crises cast doubt on this optimism.
The party has fixed May 12, 2026, as the date for inaugurating the newly elected state executives, congratulating them on the peaceful conduct of their congresses and describing the process as a reflection of commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law. However, with multiple factions claiming legitimacy, the effectiveness of this inauguration remains uncertain.
As the situation unfolds, the future of the ADC in these states largely depends on how quickly and effectively its leaders can close ranks and present a united front. The ongoing mediation efforts and the success of the national convention will be critical in determining whether the party can overcome its internal challenges and remain competitive in Nigeria's political landscape.
