The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is making good its promise to hold its national convention today. The party declared yesterday that all arrangements for the conduct of is national convention were in place. Our correspondent learnt that at least 2,500-3000 delegates are expected at the convention which is to ratify the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of former Senate President, David Mark.

This comes as the Supreme Court is billed to hear the appeal on the ADC leadership tussle. The appeal by the David Mark leadership is asking the court to grant an order staying the execution of the Court of Appeal ruling delivered on March 12th. The party has faced many challenges in its bid to hold the convention.

Justice, not assurance, can guarantee peace in Plateau Import tariff cut on vehicles, rice, others could weaken local production – Experts The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had de-recognised the David Mark leadership of the ADC, which had earlier informed the electoral body of its intention to hold the convention. The commission vowed not to receive any correspondence from the Mark-led leadership or Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared as the National Chairman of the party, following the resignation of the former National Chairman, Dr Ralph Nwosu. Gombe had challenged the take over of Mark leadership, insisting he should assume leadership.

He filed a suit at the Federal High Court in September 2025, seeking to stop Mark’s group from acting as party leaders. Although the Mark leadership filed an appeal in the case, the Court of Appeal dismissed it on March 12, 2026. Citing the ongoing litigation, the INEC said it would maintain the status quo ante bellum.

In the buildup to the convention, the party ran into hitches trying to secure a venue, saying it was denied usage of the Eagle Square and the National Stadium Valedrome, where it had intended to hold the event. Ologbondiyan said many hotels turned them down once they realised it was the ADC. The party accused the present administration of trying to frustrate their efforts in holding the convention, saying, “Nigerians should be assured that the ADC will hold its convention in Abuja as scheduled.” He said, “We had written to the authorities for the Eagle Square, it was acknowledged.

But since then, they refused to answer us. We also wrote for the Valedrome at the National Stadium, we were told by the ministry that they did not have any authorisation to allow us use the place.” Workers fixing banner at the venue of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention in Abuja, slated for today Presidential spokesman, Sunday Dare, however, denied the allegation saying all political parties enjoy equal rights under the law. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday, also dismissed claims that any political party was denied the use of Eagle Square for a convention.

He insisted that no formal application for the venue was submitted. “Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to.

If it is the African Democratic Congress (ADC), such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” Wike said. He explained that using the Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes a formal application through Abuja Investments Company Limited (the facility’s management) and the payment of the required fees. The minister also clarified that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, rather the Sports Commission.

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

Leaders of the party including; Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal and Rauf Aregbesola last week, protested at the INEC headquarters, accusing the Nigerian government of undermining opposition parties. Alarm over fake membership cards in Kaduna Only yesterday, the Kaduna State chapter of the ADC raised concern over what it called the circulation of fake membership cards in the state, warning members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters posing as party officials. The alarm was raised in Kaduna by the chairman of the Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation (MMRR) Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Sidi Bamalli, alongside the committee’s secretary, Hajiya Hafsat M.

Baba, during a press briefing. They alleged that certain “agents provocateurs,” working with anti-democratic elements, are printing and distributing counterfeit membership cards to unsuspecting individuals. The committee stressed that the only recognised structure of the party in Kaduna State is the one aligned with former governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai and