A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has declared that the party will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite its ongoing leadership crisis and the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Nwosu made this known during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Thursday, stressing that the party remains committed to its internal processes and long-term preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the ADC leadership has resolved not to allow INEC’s actions to disrupt its activities, even as the party continues to challenge developments surrounding the crisis through legal means.
“We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes,” Nwosu said. “After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and decided to move ahead.”
The ADC has recently been caught in a leadership tussle involving rival factions, a situation that led INEC to withdraw recognition of some party leaders pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.
Despite the development, Nwosu insisted that the party has adhered strictly to the provisions of the law guiding its internal activities. He maintained that the electoral body had initially acknowledged and endorsed the party’s timetable.
“We submitted our programme to INEC according to the law, and they endorsed it—all the dates were endorsed,” he said. “By the electoral law, whether they show up or not is their own volition; we have not violated anything.”
Congresses in progress
He further disclosed that the party’s congresses were already in progress across various levels, adding that the national convention would hold as scheduled to ratify decisions taken during the exercise.
“The congresses have already started. Our national convention, slated for the 14th, will also go on, where we will validate everything we’ve done,” Nwosu stated.
The ADC chieftain also used the opportunity to emphasize the party’s stance on internal discipline and leadership quality, noting that it is determined to build a platform driven by purpose rather than opportunism.
“We don’t want opportunists in the ADC; we want mission-driven leaders who have the courage to challenge a bad system,” he added.
Looking ahead, Nwosu said the party would continue to formally communicate its activities to INEC, including plans related to candidate selection for the next election cycle.
