The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by Dumebi Kachikwu has cautioned party members, delegates, aspirants, and stakeholders against participating in any congress or convention that has not been formally approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The warning comes as the party begins preparations for a series of internal activities scheduled for May 2026, ahead of the political build-up to the 2027 general elections.
According to the leadership, only party gatherings conducted through recognised national structures will be regarded as valid and binding.
NEC Announces Congress and Convention Schedule
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Kingsley Temitope Ogga, Chairman of State Chairmen.
In the statement, the NEC released the timetable for the party’s Non-Elective Congresses and Special Convention, which will form part of its internal preparations for the next election cycle.
The party said the schedule has been carefully arranged in line with its constitutional procedures and internal administrative framework.
Legal Basis for the Timetable
Ogga explained that the timetable is anchored on the provisions of the ADC Constitution, the Electoral Act, and a recent Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja.
According to him, the party’s national leadership relied on these legal foundations in determining the structure and legitimacy of the scheduled activities.
He noted that the NEC remains the lawful authority responsible for convening and supervising official party congresses and conventions.
Ward and Local Government Congresses Fixed for May 7
Under the timetable released by the party, Ward and Local Government Area Non-Elective Congresses will take place nationwide on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The congresses are expected to hold across all states of the federation as part of the party’s internal organisational process.
These meetings are intended to strengthen party structures at the grassroots level while preparing the platform for subsequent activities at higher levels.
State Congresses to Hold on May 8
The NEC also scheduled State Congresses for Friday, May 8, 2026.
According to the party, the state-level gatherings will build on the earlier ward and local government congresses and form an important part of the broader internal coordination process.
Party officials said the sequence is designed to ensure orderly progression and adherence to constitutional procedures across all levels of the organisation.
Special Convention and Presidential Primary Set for May 24
The party’s Special Convention and presidential primary have been fixed for Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The event is expected to be one of the most significant milestones in the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
It will provide the platform for key decisions relating to national leadership direction and presidential nomination processes.
Political observers say the convention is likely to attract wider attention as parties begin formal internal activities ahead of the next general election cycle.
Warning Against Parallel Congresses
The NEC stressed that only congresses and conventions conducted through its lawful structures will be recognised by the party.
According to the statement, any parallel gathering organised outside the officially approved channels will not carry legal or political validity.
The leadership warned members against associating with unauthorised meetings, noting that such activities could create confusion and undermine internal party order.
The warning appears aimed at preventing disputes over legitimacy and maintaining central control over the party’s internal processes.
Members Directed to Use Official NEC Channels
The party further directed all members, delegates, and aspirants to participate only through official NEC channels at ward, local government, state, and national levels.
According to the leadership, this will ensure compliance with party rules and preserve the credibility of the congresses and convention.
The NEC said strict adherence to authorised structures remains essential to maintaining organisational discipline and protecting the integrity of the party’s internal democratic process.
Focus Turns to 2027 Preparations
The announcement marks another sign that political parties are gradually intensifying preparations for the 2027 general elections.
For the Kachikwu-led ADC faction, the release of dates and the warning against parallel congresses signal an effort to consolidate internal order ahead of a politically significant period.
As internal activities gather momentum, party members and stakeholders are expected to closely monitor how the congresses, convention, and presidential primary shape the ADC’s direction in the months ahead.
