APC Urges INEC to Deregister ADC Amid Leadership Crisis

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), labeling the opposition party an unviable coalition of confusion. National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru argued that the ADC lacks electoral value, citing its failure to win seats in recent bye-elections and local government polls, and claimed its presence on future ballots would cause unnecessary clustering.

This escalation follows an INEC decision to suspend recognition of all ADC leadership factions, including the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the commission's portal. The move stems from a Court of Appeal ruling requiring the status quo be maintained while a Federal High Court in Abuja determines a suit filed by Nafiu Bala, who challenges Mark's chairmanship. Despite warnings from INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan that proceeding without supervision could lead to grave legal consequences, the ADC announced it will hold internal congresses and a national convention from April 7 to April 14, 2026.

ADC leaders have condemned the suspension as a politically motivated attempt by President Bola Tinubu to dismantle opposition platforms and establish a one-party state. The party has demanded the resignation of the INEC chairman and national commissioners. The APC has dismissed these claims as malicious propaganda, asserting that President Tinubu has no power to deregister political parties. Meanwhile, Minister Nyesom Wike suggested that INEC should have recognized Nafiu Bala Gombe as the national chairman, while presidential aide Bayo Onanuga characterized the ADC as lawless.