Top political figures aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have convened in Abuja amid an escalating leadership dispute within the party.
The high-level meeting, holding at the Yar’Adua Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, brings together prominent opposition leaders who are expected to present a unified stance following recent actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Key personalities at the gathering include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Also present are former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Attendance List
The list of attendees further features notable political actors such as former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, Alhaji Kashim Iman, former Edo State Governor John Odigie-Oyegun, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, among others.
The emergency meeting comes on the heels of INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of the party’s current National Working Committee, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, pending the resolution of an ongoing legal battle over the party’s leadership.
In addition, the electoral body announced it would not oversee the ADC’s planned national convention slated for April 14, opting instead to maintain neutrality until the courts deliver a final ruling.
INEC Speaks
Speaking on the development, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed that the commission also turned down a proposal for Nafiu Bala Gombe to take charge of the party in the interim.
Haruna emphasised that INEC would distance itself from all factions within the ADC for now, stating that the commission would neither entertain official correspondence nor participate in any party-related processes until the dispute is settled.
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He further clarified that the commission would refrain from monitoring any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by any of the rival groups within the party until a legal resolution is reached.