Dare Babalola
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, on Thursday said the party will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the ongoing leadership crisis affecting the political group.
Nwosu’s remarks come in the wake of a position by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which stated that it would not recognise the leadership structures led by David Mark or the faction associated with Nafiu Bala, citing an existing court judgment.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Nwosu maintained that the party remains focused on its internal programmes and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the leadership dispute would not derail its activities.
“We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes. After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and decided to move ahead,” he said.
He explained that the party had already complied with electoral guidelines in submitting its schedule of activities to the electoral body.
“We submitted our programme to INEC according to the law, and they endorsed it—all the dates were endorsed. By the electoral law, whether they show up or not is their own volition; we have not violated anything,” Nwosu added.
According to him, the party has already commenced its congresses, while plans for the national convention remain on track.
“The congresses have already started. Our national convention, slated for the 14th, will also go on, where we will validate everything we’ve done. We don’t want opportunists in the ADC; we want mission-driven leaders who have the courage to challenge a bad system,” he said.
Nwosu further stated that the ADC would continue to communicate its activities to INEC in line with regulations, including preparations for the selection of candidates.
“We will inform INEC of our programmes, including our upcoming national convention to select our presidential and general candidates,” he noted.
He also indicated that in the event of any refusal by the electoral body to acknowledge their plans, the party would take its message directly to Nigerians through the media.
“If they don’t accept it, we will publish it to all Nigerian media because they represent the people,” he said.
