• APC taunts opposition as pressure mounts for reconciliation
• Liyel Imoke, Aminu Tambuwal, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi to lead convention planning
The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is spreading across several states, raising fears that internal wrangling and court battles could weaken the party ahead of future elections.
Across the country, factions within the party have been holding parallel congresses, each producing its own set of leaders — a situation that has deepened divisions and uncertainty within the ADC’s ranks.
In Adamawa State, the conflict has taken a more legal turn, with rival groups increasingly relying on ex parte court orders to assert control. Observers say this tactic is worsening tensions and making reconciliation more difficult.
Despite the turmoil, the party has moved forward with preparations for its national convention, releasing an updated list of committees and subcommittees. According to the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the changes are meant to improve coordination and ensure a credible process.
Political analysts warn that if the crisis lingers, it could hand an advantage to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has already begun mocking the opposition’s internal struggles.
Amid growing concern, party stakeholders are calling for a reconciliation strategy similar to the consensus-driven model associated with Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano State. The approach is being suggested as a way to rebuild unity, particularly in Adamawa.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is said to be playing a key role in ongoing mediation efforts, though insiders note that resolving the deep divisions will require sustained dialogue.
The crisis features several influential figures, including Babachir Lawal, Aisha Binani, Ishaku Abbo, Jibrilla Bindow and Shehu Yohanna, whose alignments continue to shape developments within the party.
In Ebonyi State, the APC has ridiculed the ADC after parallel congresses produced two chairmen — Silas Onu and Jennifer Nwafor. While Onu vowed that the party would challenge and defeat the APC in 2027, APC state chairman Stanley Okoro-Emegha dismissed the claims, urging the ADC to first resolve its internal disputes.
A similar pattern played out in Plateau State, where rival factions led by Hanatu Gagara and Samuel Gyang held separate congresses in Jos. Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, who backed one faction, described the exercise as crucial to the party’s future.
In Ogun State, two factions also emerged, producing Femi Soluade and Emmanuel Famojuro as chairmen from parallel congresses. The division has drawn in prominent figures such as Moshood Salvador and Olatunji Shoyinka, with accusations of external interference, including claims against Rauf Aregbesola.
Despite these challenges, the ADC has fixed May 12, 2026, for the inauguration of state executives elected during the congresses. The party leadership insists the process reflects its commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law, aligning with the direction of National Chairman David Mark.
For the upcoming convention, Liyel Imoke will chair the planning committee, with Aminu Tambuwal as vice chairman and Dr. Ajuji Ahmed as secretary. Other notable members include Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Achike Udenwa, Abubakar Malami and Emeka Ihedioha.
As the crisis unfolds, the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and present a united front will likely determine its strength in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political landscape.
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