WorldStage– Nigeria’s new opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is holding its national convention today, April 14, 2026, in Abuja, despite significant legal, administrative hurdles and a deepening leadership crisis.
The convention occurs while the party remains split between two major factions – the David Mark faction and the Nafiu Bala Gombe faction.
The main faction, led by former Senate President David Mark as interim chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, is holding the convention to consolidate its structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Nafiu Bala Gombe faction is challenging the legality of Mark’s leadership, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having recently suspended recognition of the Mark-led leadership and removed their names from its portal, citing a Court of Appeal order to maintain the status quo pending further litigation.
The convention is taking place at the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, Area 8, Abuja with approximately 3,000 delegates participating to elect or ratify a new National Working Committee (NWC).
There is heavy security presence, with Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel conducting thorough checks on delegates and journalists.
The party alleged it was denied access to public spaces like Eagle Square and the MKO Abiola National Stadium.
But the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disputed the claims, stating no formal application followed proper protocol.
Organisers claimed the owner of the Rainbow Event Centre was pressured to cancel the booking just hours before the event, though they ultimately proceeded.
