ADC: No Talks with PRP, Focus on Reversing INEC Decision

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied reports of merger discussions with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), stating that its priority is to challenge a recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement released on Monday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said claims of ongoing talks with the PRP were false. He added that the ADC leadership is not engaged in negotiations with any political party.

“Our attention has been drawn to a story claiming that the ADC is in talks with another political party, specifically the PRP. This is not true,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that the party is focused on overturning INEC’s decision to derecognise factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, following a March 12 judgment by the Court of Appeal directing that the status quo be maintained in the party’s leadership dispute.

According to Abdullahi, the ADC considers INEC’s action unlawful and is committed to seeking redress through the courts. He also alleged interference by individuals linked to the ruling party.

“The coalition leadership is not in any conversation with another political party at this time. We are committed to ensuring that the action taken against our leadership by INEC is overturned,” he said.

The party maintained that reversing the decision is necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect Nigeria’s multiparty system. Abdullahi also dismissed suggestions that the ADC may abandon its platform, describing such claims as speculative.

Despite the dispute, he said the party remains open to broader opposition collaboration, while expressing confidence that the judiciary will act independently.

The ADC has been dealing with an internal leadership crisis since mid-2025, when an opposition coalition adopted the party as its platform for the 2027 presidential election. Both Mark and Bala have since laid claim to the party’s national chairmanship.

On April 1, INEC announced it would suspend engagement with both factions, including monitoring their meetings and conventions, citing the appellate court ruling.

In response, opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mark staged a protest in Abuja on April 8 under the banner “Occupy INEC.” The protesters accused the commission of bias and called for the removal of its chairman, Joash Amupitan.

Others present at the demonstration included Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Dino Melaye.