An independent legal adviser to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued an urgent memo calling on party leaders to immediately resolve the ongoing leadership crisis internally, citing new legal developments and a warning from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In the memo dated April 12, 2026, and addressed to key party figures including Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, the adviser stressed that recent provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 and the NBA’s position have significantly altered the legal landscape surrounding intra-party disputes.
According to the document, Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 restricts courts from entertaining cases related to the internal affairs of political parties. It further warns that legal practitioners who pursue such cases risk sanctions, including fines of not less than ₦10 million and possible disciplinary action.
The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, had earlier cautioned lawyers and judges against involvement in intra-party conflicts, signaling stricter enforcement of the law.
The adviser noted that these developments weaken ongoing litigation surrounding the ADC leadership tussle and urged party stakeholders to abandon court processes in favor of internal mechanisms. The memo also questioned the basis of previous judicial orders affecting the party’s leadership structure and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) actions, which reportedly included removing certain officials from its records.
To resolve the crisis, the adviser recommended that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) be urgently convened in line with the ADC constitution. He emphasized that at least two-thirds of NEC members, particularly state chairmen, should initiate the process.
The memo further stressed the need for strict compliance with Section 82 of the Electoral Act, which requires a 21-day notice to INEC before holding meetings that affect party leadership decisions.
In addition, the adviser warned against the formation of unconstitutional caretaker structures, urging adherence to established provisions for filling vacancies within the party.
He also called for the immediate suspension of all parallel meetings and political activities until a unified leadership is established, warning that continued delays could weaken the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The memo concluded with a call for unity and swift action, stating that prolonged internal disputes risk undermining the party’s structure and electoral prospects.
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis in recent months, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership, raising concerns over its preparedness for upcoming elections.
