(DDM) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to conduct nationwide congresses as part of preparations for its next national convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
The development was disclosed in an official schedule of activities released by the party, outlining steps aimed at renewing its leadership structures across the country.
What the announcement says
According to a public notice jointly signed by the National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the exercise will involve party members at every level of the organisation.
The congresses are expected to begin at the polling unit and ward levels, where grassroots members will participate in selecting or reaffirming party officials.
From there, the process will progress to local government congresses before advancing to state congresses.
The sequence will eventually culminate in the National Convention, where top party leadership positions are expected to be reviewed or renewed.
Why the congresses are important
Political parties in Nigeria are required by their constitutions and electoral guidelines to periodically conduct congresses and conventions to maintain internal democracy.
These processes allow party members to elect officials, review leadership performance, and shape the party’s strategic direction.
For the African Democratic Congress, the upcoming congresses represent an opportunity to strengthen internal structures and prepare for future electoral contests.
The structure of the process
The ADC explained that the congresses will follow a bottom-up structure, beginning with grassroots party units.
Party officials say this approach ensures wider participation and reflects the party’s commitment to internal democratic practices.
Grassroots delegates chosen at lower levels will typically move forward to represent their constituencies at higher congress levels.
By the time the National Convention is held, representatives from across the country are expected to participate in decisions affecting the party’s national leadership.
Political context
The African Democratic Congress is one of Nigeria’s opposition political parties seeking to expand its influence ahead of future elections.
Analysts note that strong internal structures and transparent leadership selection processes can play a major role in determining a party’s political credibility.
Internal party congresses have historically been sensitive moments for Nigerian political parties, as leadership contests sometimes trigger disputes or court cases.
What comes next
ADC leaders say the scheduled congresses are part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to periodically renew leadership across all levels.
The party maintains that the process will start at the polling unit and ward levels, move through local government and state congresses, and conclude with the National Convention on April 14, 2026.
Officials say the exercise is intended to ensure that the party’s leadership structure reflects the participation and mandate of members nationwide.
