The African Democratic Congress, ADC, is facing a worsening crisis ahead of the 2027 general election, as a fresh court case seeking the party’s deregistration adds to an existing leadership dispute already affecting its internal activities.
The latest challenge comes as ADC remains locked in a legal battle over its national leadership. The dispute began with a suit filed on September 2, 2025, in which Nafiu Bala Gombe asked the court to recognise him as acting national chairman and restrain the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark.
The matter later reached the Court of Appeal, which on March 12, 2026, directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the final determination of the case. Following that ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, stepped back from the dispute and stopped dealing with the party’s factions. Vanguard also reported that ADC accused INEC of removing the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal, a move the party said reflected a disputed interpretation of the court ruling.
The decision has created uncertainty around ADC’s internal timetable. According to the report, the party fixed its congresses for April 9 to 12, its national convention for April 14, and its primaries for April 23 to May 30, while submission of its membership register is due on May 10. The case is expected to return to court on April 17.
Compounding the pressure is a separate suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order compelling INEC to deregister ADC and several other political parties. The report said the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against INEC, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the affected parties.
The case argues that some political parties failed to meet the electoral performance thresholds required by law and should therefore lose their legal recognition. If the court grants the request, ADC could lose its place as a recognised political party at a critical stage in the build-up to the 2027 election.
The development has heightened concern within opposition circles, especially as ADC has recently drawn prominent political figures linked to wider coalition talks. Vanguard listed attendees at a recent gathering in Abuja to include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Liyel Imoke, Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalung and Victor Umeh.
With overlapping court cases, leadership uncertainty and looming electoral deadlines, ADC now faces one of its most difficult moments in recent times. The outcome of the legal battles could shape whether the party remains a viable platform in the run-up to 2027.
