Officials and key stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State have called on party members to come out in large numbers for the upcoming congresses scheduled for Saturday, urging them not to be discouraged by the current position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The appeal comes in the wake of INEC’s recent stance on the lingering leadership crisis within the party at the national level. The electoral body had reiterated its decision not to recognize any of the contending leadership factions pending the outcome of an appeal currently before the Court of Appeal. This position has created uncertainty within party ranks across the country, including in Adamawa State, where internal divisions have already taken a toll.
In Adamawa, the ADC has been grappling with a protracted leadership tussle that has fractured the party into rival factions, each aligned with different interests and interpretations of legitimacy. The crisis has not only affected the party’s internal cohesion but has also raised concerns about its readiness for future electoral contests, particularly the 2027 general elections.
Against this backdrop, party leaders convened an emergency meeting in Yola, the state capital, as part of ongoing efforts to restore unity, reconcile aggrieved members, and strengthen grassroots structures. The meeting brought together party executives, aspirants, and influential stakeholders determined to chart a way forward despite the prevailing challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the party’s Transition Committee in Adamawa, Sadiq Dasin, struck a defiant tone, assuring members that the ADC would not allow external or internal pressures to weaken its resolve ahead of the next electoral cycle.
He described any attempt to sideline the party or prevent it from participating fully in the democratic process as unacceptable, insisting that such moves would be resisted.
“We are determined to ensure that our party remains strong and competitive. Any suggestion that the ADC can be pushed aside or prevented from contesting in 2027 is simply unrealistic,” Dasin said.
He also took issue with INEC’s directive that the party should revert to the status quo, arguing that the leadership structure associated with David Mark was already in place before the legal dispute that prompted the current situation.
According to him, the interpretation of “status quo” should reflect the leadership arrangement that existed prior to the emergence of the court case, not one imposed by competing interests.
Dasin emphasized that the party remains committed to its internal democratic processes, including the conduct of congresses, which he described as critical to rebuilding trust and consolidating its structures at all levels.
Several stakeholders who attended the meeting echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the prolonged crisis and its potential impact on the party’s prospects. Among those who spoke was Ishaku Abbo, who joined other aspirants in calling for unity and clarity of purpose.
Participants at the meeting also raised broader political concerns, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to dominate the political space in a manner that could weaken opposition parties and tilt the country toward a one-party system.
While such claims remain part of the ongoing political discourse, stakeholders insisted that the ADC must remain focused on strengthening its internal cohesion and expanding its support base rather than being distracted by external pressures.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Dasin questioned the rationale behind INEC’s interpretation of the court ruling, maintaining that the commission’s position should not deter party members from participating in legitimate internal activities.
“Our processes are guided by the constitution of the party and the principles of democracy. We cannot abandon them because of differing interpretations. Our members must remain committed and engaged,” he stated.
Other party leaders also stressed that the ADC continues to enjoy significant grassroots support in Adamawa and across the country. They argued that this support base provides a solid foundation for the party’s growth, regardless of the current leadership dispute.
According to them, the resilience of the party lies in its ability to mobilize ordinary members and maintain strong connections at the ward and local government levels.
They further warned against attempts—whether perceived or real—to undermine the party’s structure, insisting that such efforts would ultimately fail in the face of collective determination.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to mobilize party members across all local government areas of the state to participate actively in the scheduled congresses. Stakeholders emphasized that a successful turnout would send a strong signal of unity and readiness, both within the party and to the broader political environment.
As preparations continue, the focus of the ADC in Adamawa appears to be on consolidating its internal processes and projecting an image of resilience despite the ongoing national leadership crisis. The outcome of the congresses is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the party’s structure and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
While uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the final legal resolution of the leadership dispute, party leaders in the state are determined to move forward, urging members to stay engaged and committed to the party’s long-term goals.
In the coming days, the level of participation in the congresses will likely serve as a key indicator of the ADC’s strength and cohesion in Adamawa, as well as its capacity to navigate internal challenges while positioning itself as a viable political force in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
