Presidency Reacts As ADC Announces Date For Congresses, Convention

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The Presidency has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of engaging in illegality following its decision to proceed with its scheduled national convention despite opposition from the electoral body.

The development comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly derecognised the party’s national leadership, raising questions about the legality of its planned activities.

However, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, insisted that the congress would go ahead as scheduled, stating that the party had duly notified INEC through earlier communications.

According to Abdullahi, the party’s congress activities will run from April 7 to April 14, 2026, beginning with the screening of aspirants and concluding with a national convention.

“This is to notify all party members that, despite INEC’s illegal actions, the African Democratic Congress will continue with its congresses as scheduled,” the notice read in part.

Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised the party’s stance, warning that disregarding legal processes could have consequences.

“Just continue your illegality, the lawless ADC. The dog that wants to get lost in the forest will ignore the hunter’s whistle,” Onanuga wrote in a post on social media.

The standoff between the ADC and INEC has further heightened political tensions, as parties begin early alignments and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.