The opposition landscape in Adamawa State descended into fresh turmoil on Thursday as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) proceeded with its ward congresses despite deep internal divisions, court battles, and allegations of a leadership hijack.
The crisis escalated following legal actions reportedly backed by a faction loyal to Aishatu Binani, which is challenging the legitimacy of the congress process.
 The group accused former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, of attempting to take control of party structures ahead of the exercise.
Despite the dispute, the party’s state leadership under Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin insisted the congresses would hold across all wards.
 In a statement issued by Martins Yanatham Dickson, Head of Media and Publicity of the ADC State Transition Implementation Committee, members were urged to mobilise in large numbers for the exercise.
The statement said the Unit, Ward, and Local Government congresses scheduled for April 9, 2026, would proceed as directed by the party’s national headquarters, adding that sensitive materials and logistics had been arranged.
However, tensions intensified after Senator Elisha Ishaku Abbo accused both Babachir Lawal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of failing to provide credible leadership, alleging their actions had deepened divisions within the party.
The crisis coincides with an ongoing leadership dispute at the national level. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced plans to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its portal as party leaders, citing a pending court case.
INEC also said it would suspend recognition of any ADC faction until the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers a final ruling, following preservatory orders issued by the Court of Appeal.
The electoral body disclosed that conflicting legal communications from rival factions had made it impossible to engage with any group, further deepening uncertainty within the party ahead of critical political activities.
