ADC Defies INEC, Appoints Imoke to Lead Convention Planning Amid Leadership Crisis

ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has signalled a definitive showdown with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), formalizing plans for its National Convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, despite a formal withdrawal of recognition for its current leadership.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed the move, announcing the constitution of a 22-member National Convention Central Coordination Committee (NCCCC) to oversee the event. The committee is headlined by high-profile political figures, including former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, as Chairman, and former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as Vice Chairman. 

Escalating Tensions with INEC

The conflict stems from INEC’s recent decision to cease recognition of Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the ADC’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. The electoral umpire cited emerging factional leadership within the party as the basis for its stance.

In a sharp rebuttal, the ADC accused INEC of "partisanship" and acting as an instrument of the ruling party. The party maintains that it has fulfilled its legal obligation by informing the commission of its intent to hold a convention, arguing that INEC lacks the constitutional mandate to unilaterally interpret court rulings or dictate internal party leadership.

"INEC’s actions pose a direct threat to democracy and appear aimed at weakening opposition parties to facilitate a one-party state," the party stated, further calling for the resignation of the INEC Chairman and National Commissioners.

A Massive Organizational Rollout

Despite the legal and regulatory cloud hanging over the leadership, the ADC is proceeding with a large-scale organizational structure. The NCCCC will be supported by 11 standing committees comprising 339 members.

Key Committee Appointments Include:

• Legal and Convention Processes: Olumide Akpata (Chairman-designate)

• Finance: Senator Austin Ibrahim

• Delegates and Accreditation: Senator Ireti Kingibe

• Programmes and Events: Senator Victor Umeh

• Entertainment: Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

• Media and Publicity: Senator Lawal Adamu Usman

The list of committee members reads like a "who’s who" of Nigerian politics, featuring former Imo Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Solomon Lalong, and Hon. Emeka Nwajuba.

Constitutional Standoff

The David Mark-led faction remains adamant that the convention will proceed as planned on Tuesday. The party argues that INEC’s role is purely administrative and that the commission is overstepping its bounds by interfering in the internal crisis.

As the April 14 deadline approaches, the political atmosphere remains tense. Whether INEC will monitor the proceedings or move to invalidate the outcomes of the convention remains the critical question facing the embattled opposition party.