The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally rejected the decision by Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of the party's national leadership. The party alleges the move is the result of pressure from the federal government on INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to interfere in an internal leadership dispute.
INEC's decision, communicated in a letter dated March 27, 2026, and signed by Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, suspended recognition of the Ralphs Okey Nwosu-led National Working Committee. The commission stated the action was due to conflicting court orders from the Federal High Courts in Abuja and Bauchi regarding the party's legitimate leadership.
In a statement, ADC National Chairman Ralphs Okey Nwosu accused the government of using INEC to destabilize the party. He asserted that the commission's action was unconstitutional and a violation of the Electoral Act, vowing that the party would challenge the decision through all legal means. The leadership crisis stems from a faction led by Senator Patricia Akwashiki, which conducted a parallel national convention.
INEC has maintained that its action is a temporary administrative measure to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process pending the resolution of the conflicting court judgments. The commission has advised the party to resolve its internal disputes and inform it of a validly elected leadership in accordance with the law.
