ADC Fixes Dates for State, National Conventions to Beat INEC Schedules

By Tgnews Reporter

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced a compressed timetable for its nationwide congresses and national convention, scheduling key events in early April 2026 to complete its leadership renewal process well ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s deadlines for party primaries and related activities.

In a public notice released on Saturday and jointly signed by National Organising Secretary Prince Chinedu Idigo and National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party outlined the schedule as part of its constitutional obligation to renew leadership structures from the grassroots to the national level.

The approved timetable is as follows: Polling Unit and Ward Congresses: Tuesday, April 7, 2026; Local Government Area Congresses: Thursday, April 9, 2026; State Congresses: Saturday, April 11, 2026; National Convention: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

The rapid succession of events from ward-level congresses to the national convention within just one week positions the ADC to finalize its internal elections and leadership selections early.

This move comes amid INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, which requires political parties to conduct primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026. Parties must also submit comprehensive digital membership registers to INEC by April 2, 2026.

By concluding its congresses and convention by mid-April, the ADC aims to meet or exceed regulatory requirements comfortably, avoiding last-minute pressures and potential compliance issues that have been flagged by opposition parties regarding the tight pre-primaries window.

The party emphasized that the exercise is designed to promote internal democracy, elect fresh leaders, and reposition the ADC for effective participation in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

Members interested in contesting positions at ward, local government, or state levels have been advised to obtain, complete, and submit nomination or expression of interest forms via the party’s official platform.

The venue for the national convention was not disclosed in the announcement. The ADC has previously faced internal leadership challenges but continues to push forward with organizational reforms.