The state congresses of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, have been stalled.
While some states have announced suspending their congresses, a few have vowed to proceed with the election ahead of the party’s convention.
The protracted crisis rocking the Adamawa state chapter of the ADC has taken another dimension, as a Yola High Court has stopped the party from going ahead with its planned congresses.
Justice Ahmed Isa, who presided over the case, ordered the suspension of the congresses slated for Thursday until the determination of the case. The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 15, 2026, for continuation of the hearing.
However, when Punch contacted the North East Vice Chairman of the party and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, he denied knowledge of the court ruling
“I’m in Abuja, so I don’t know about the case. Go and ask those who were in court today. I don’t know anything about the court case, “ he said.
In Anambra, the state congresses would not be held either. The party chairman, Patrick Obianyo, disclosed that the party has suspended the proposed congresses until further notice.
Obianyo said the party’s decision underscores its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.
He, therefore, called on all party members and stakeholders to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful throughout this period.
He also informed INEC not to recognise any actions taken by those parading themselves as ADC leaders in the state.
The ADC in Anambra State chapter has announced the immediate suspension of all planned and proposed congresses across the state until further notice.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the tenure of the current ADC Executive Committee in Anambra State, as well as in other states, remains constitutionally valid and duly recognised by INEC.
“Consequently, the general public is strongly advised to disregard any directives, announcements, or actions from unauthorised individuals falsely parading themselves as party leaders.
“The party will duly communicate new dates for congresses and conventions following the conclusion of ongoing national consultations and meetings.’’
Similarly, the Ondo ADC has announced the suspension of its earlier scheduled Congresses following the re-recognition of the national leadership of the party.
The party had earlier scheduled to hold its ward, local government and state congresses this month, but disclosed that the exercises had been suspended.
This was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the state chairman of the party, Wole Ademoyegun.
It said the suspension was in line with the directive of the INEC, which asked the party to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
“We reaffirm our unwavering respect for INEC as the constitutionally constituted regulatory authority for political parties and our firm commitment to due process and institutional order,” the party said.
Also, the Zamfara ADC said it might not proceed with the congresses as planned earlier.
The state chairman of the party, Kabiru Garba, said the party has yet to make any preparations for the congresses.
In a telephone interview with the aforementioned publication, Garba said, “Being the state chairman of ADC in Zamfara, I am telling you that I don’t know anything about the forthcoming congresses. Nobody has briefed me on the level of preparedness regarding the congresses. As such, I have no idea whether the exercises will hold or not.”
Relatedly, the ADC in Niger State has suspended its planned congresses across all 25 local government areas until further notice.
State chairman Musa Hassan said the decision, conveyed in a Wednesday statement, was to uphold the rule of law, due process, and judicial authority.
Source: NaijaNews
