The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced May 12, 2026, as the date for the inauguration of its newly elected state executives and chairmen across the country.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who congratulated the officials following what he described as the successful conduct of the party’s state congresses nationwide.
According to the party, the congresses were peaceful and orderly, reflecting its commitment to democratic principles and internal party governance.
In the statement, the ADC commended party members and stakeholders for what it described as a disciplined and mature electoral process.
The party said the conduct of the congresses demonstrated its dedication to transparency, internal democracy and the rule of law.
Abdullahi stated that the elections were conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution and other relevant legal frameworks guiding political party activities.
He noted that the outcome of the congresses marked another step in the party’s efforts to strengthen its internal structures across the country.
May 12 Inauguration
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the statement confirmed that the inauguration of the newly elected officials will take place on May 12, 2026, although the party indicated that the date could be adjusted if necessary.
According to the party, any change to the scheduled date would be communicated by the National Working Committee.
The ADC urged the newly elected state executives and chairmen to remain committed to the ideals and vision of the party as they assume their leadership responsibilities.
The party further called on the officials to work closely with the leadership of its National Chairman, David Mark, in strengthening the party’s presence across the federation.
It emphasised that the task ahead would require unity, discipline and dedication from party leaders at all levels.
According to the statement, the party remains determined to position itself as a credible political alternative for Nigerians.
The ADC also expressed confidence that under the leadership of the new state executives, the party would continue to expand its structures and deepen engagement with citizens across the country.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing disagreement between the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the conduct of the ADC’s congresses and planned convention.
The National Chairman of INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, had earlier warned the party against proceeding with its congresses and convention, stating that such actions could violate existing court orders.
However, the ADC rejected the warning and insisted that it would proceed with its internal processes.
Responding through its National Publicity Secretary, the party accused INEC of misinterpreting the directive of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo in the dispute affecting the party.
The ADC argued that the commission’s position amounted to a distortion of the court’s ruling and could amount to contempt of court.
ADC Accuses INEC Of Overstepping Authority
The party also accused INEC of exceeding its supervisory mandate by attempting to halt what it described as lawful internal party activities.
According to the ADC, internal disagreements within a political party do not suspend its democratic processes.
“ADC finds it necessary to respond in order to correct several legal and factual misrepresentations. While the Commission seeks to present its position as one anchored in law and neutrality, the substance of the Chairman’s own statements reveals a fundamental misapplication of both constitutional principles and judicial directives,” the statement said.
It further criticised the commission’s reliance on Nigeria’s multi-party system as a defence for its actions.
“First, the Chairman’s repeated assertion that INEC is merely acting within the confines of a ‘multi-party constitutional order’ is, with respect, a deflection from the central issue. The question before Nigerians is not whether Nigeria remains a multi-party state in theory, but whether the actions of INEC in practice are undermining the ability of opposition parties to freely organize and function.
“The ADC has not alleged the abolition of multi-party democracy in form; rather, it has raised concerns about actions that, in effect, weaken it. The Chairman’s reliance on the existence of multiple parties as proof of neutrality does not address the specific conduct under scrutiny,” the party added.