ADC Crisis Deepens as Top Opposition Leaders Meet in Abuja

ADC Leadership Crisis Abuja Meeting draws Atiku, Obi and others as party leaders meet after INEC withdrew recognition of key executives

Top opposition figures of the African Democratic Congress have converged in Abuja at the Yar’Adua Centre in the Federal Capital Territory to deliberate on the party’s ongoing leadership crisis following recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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The ADC Leadership Crisis Abuja Meeting brings together prominent political actors, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, alongside other influential figures such as former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Also present at the gathering are former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, Alhaji Kashim Iman, former Edo State Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, among others.

The meeting is expected to produce a unified position on the direction of the party amid growing internal tensions.

The development follows INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the party’s National Working Committee, pending the resolution of a leadership dispute currently before the courts.

The electoral commission stated that it would maintain the status quo until judicial determination is reached.

INEC also announced that it would not monitor the ADC national convention scheduled for April 14, citing the need to avoid interference while the matter remains unresolved.

The commission further declined a request for Nafiu Bala Gombe to assume leadership of the party on an interim basis.

In its position, INEC indicated that it would suspend engagement with all factions within the ADC, adding that it would not recognise or communicate with any group claiming authority over the party’s affairs until the legal process is concluded.

The gathering in Abuja underscores the gravity of the internal dispute, as key opposition leaders seek to navigate the uncertainty and stabilise the party’s structure ahead of future political engagements.

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Observers say the outcome of the meeting may influence the ADC’s cohesion and its broader role within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.