ADC Faction Fixes April Convention, Rejects Coalition’s Membership Registration Exercise

A faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced April 3 to April 5 as the dates for the election of new members of its National Working Committee (NWC).

In a statement released on Sunday, the faction explained that party officials across all levels — ward, local government area (LGA), state, and national — would emerge through a consensus arrangement during the congresses.

According to a timetable released ahead of the national convention, ward congresses are scheduled for March 19, while LGA congresses will follow on March 24. State congresses are expected to hold on March 28 before the national convention in early April.

The faction said the consensus approach was adopted to strengthen unity and ensure wider participation among party members.

It stated that the decision aligns with the party’s constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, adding that the move is intended to promote harmony and cooperation within the party structure.

“The BOT and NWC believe adopting consensus will encourage collaboration and collective leadership, thereby strengthening the party’s capacity to achieve its political goals,” the statement said.

The group also revealed that a fresh membership registration exercise for new entrants has begun and will run from March 14 to March 25.

Prospective members were directed to register at their ward offices and obtain membership cards through the party’s Continuous Membership Registration Committee.

However, the faction clarified that the exercise is meant strictly for new members, noting that existing members are not required to renew or update their membership for now.

It added that any disputes arising from the congresses would be addressed after the national convention, with petitions expected to be reviewed between April 6 and April 10.

Meanwhile, the faction dismissed the ongoing electronic membership mobilisation and revalidation exercise being carried out by a coalition associated with the party, describing it as invalid.

According to the statement, the process does not comply with the procedures outlined in the party’s constitution, noting that an official online membership registration platform will be introduced through authorised party channels in due course.

The statement was jointly signed by Nafi’u Bala, the factional national chairman, and Rufus Ikanmi, secretary of the Board of Trustees.

However, another coalition within the party led by David Mark has fixed April 14 for the election of national officers, highlighting the growing internal divisions within the party.