The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the creation of a Special Representatives Network in key foreign capitals, aimed at strengthening its international engagement and promoting democratic accountability in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the initiative would establish structured channels of communication between the ADC and influential global stakeholders, particularly in countries and institutions that prioritise democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the party, which began in July 2025 following the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu. His exit paved the way for a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by former Senate President, David Mark, alongside former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
However, the transition was challenged in court by a former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. In March 2026, the Court of Appeal directed all factions to maintain the pre-litigation status quo pending a final ruling.
The crisis escalated on April 1 and 2 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended recognition of all contending factions and removed the details of the Mark-led NWC from its official portal, citing the court’s directive.
Against this backdrop, the ADC said the new initiative was in response to what it described as a growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition figures since July 2025. These, it said, include attempts to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate leadership structures, and restrict democratic participation.
Under the scheme, the party will appoint credible representatives as envoys in strategically selected global capitals. These representatives will serve as official points of contact between the ADC and international actors, including foreign governments, parliamentary committees, international media organisations, democracy support institutions, and Nigerian diaspora communities.
“Through these engagements, the representatives will provide regular briefings on Nigeria’s political environment, including political developments, human rights concerns, democratic governance, electoral integrity, and alleged repression of opposition actors,” the statement said.
“They will also communicate the ADC’s policy positions and reform proposals to international stakeholders.”
The party said the primary objective is to ensure that international partners and democratic institutions receive balanced and credible information about Nigeria’s political situation, rather than relying solely on official government narratives.
It added that the initiative would enhance its credibility as a responsible democratic actor and reinforce its position as a viable governing alternative committed to constitutional governance.
Based on global influence, commitment to democratic values, and the presence of significant Nigerian diaspora communities, the ADC identified Washington, DC; London; Brussels; Berlin; Ottawa; Paris; Pretoria; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Accra; Geneva; and New York as priority locations for the initiative.
As part of the programme, the party also plans to launch a National Documentation Initiative to systematically track and document incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria. State party structures will collect data on threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities.
The ADC said the initiative represents a strategic effort to expand its global presence, improve the flow of credible information on Nigeria’s political developments, and strengthen its commitment to democratic governance, political accountability, and the protection of opposition rights.
