Dare Babalola
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified that the tenure of its newly elected state executives and other party officials will not take effect immediately, stressing that the current leadership structures remain in place until a formal transition is concluded.
This position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who sought to address growing concerns over leadership transitions following recent internal elections across various levels of the party.
According to the ADC, all newly elected officers will only assume full responsibilities after the expiration of the tenure of the present executives and their formal inauguration, which has been fixed for May 12, 2026, or any other date that may be officially communicated by the party.
The party emphasised that no change in leadership has taken effect yet, warning that the existing executives remain the only constitutionally recognised officers until the completion of the transition process.
The statement read in part, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) wishes to reiterate that the tenure of all newly elected State Executives and other party officers shall not commence until the expiration of the tenure of the current executives and their formal inauguration by the Party on May 12, 2026, or on any later date that may be officially communicated.”
Reinforcing the position, the party further stated that the current officeholders continue to exercise full authority within their respective positions pending the official handover process.
It added, “For the avoidance of doubt, all existing executives remain the duly recognised officers of the Party until the completion of this constitutional transition process.”
The ADC also issued a warning to newly elected officials, advising them to refrain from any actions that could undermine the established structure or create confusion within party ranks.
It stated, “Accordingly, all newly elected executives, particularly at the state level, are advised to take note and desist from any action, representation, or conduct that may contravene this clear constitutional directive or create confusion within the Party structure.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal discipline and constitutional governance, insisting that adherence to due process remains central to its operations.
It concluded that the ADC remains committed to orderliness, discipline, and strict observance of its constitution and democratic principles as it manages the ongoing leadership transition across its structures.
