ADC Crisis: Fani-Kayode Says Party ‘Rejected’ After INEC Derecognition

ADC Crisis: Fani-Kayode Says Party ‘Rejected’ After INEC Derecognition

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Germany and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has launched a fierce attack on leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the INEC derecognition of key party officials, describing the development as proof of political rejection.

The controversy erupted after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal as the ADC’s national chairman and national secretary, respectively. The decision was based on the commission’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s lingering leadership crisis, further deepening internal divisions within the opposition platform.

Reacting in a post on X, Fani-Kayode mocked the party’s leadership, insisting that the ADC has effectively lost its political footing due to repeated legal and institutional setbacks.

“Given the fact that they have been affected by the decisions of the courts and INEC and they no longer have a party and platform to stand and run on… who are the ones that have been rejected now?” he wrote.

He doubled down on his criticism, stating that the party has suffered rejection from multiple fronts, including the courts, electoral authorities, its founders, and the Nigerian electorate.

The former minister also questioned the party’s 2027 election prospects, suggesting that the ADC is no longer in a position to mount any serious challenge in the next general elections.

READ ALSO:

• Qatar Petitions UN Over Iranian Missile Strikes on Maritime Assets
• Macron Hits Back at Trump, Says Marriage Jibe “Not Worth a Response”
• Akwa Ibom Barber Jailed 14 Years for Defiling 12-Year-Old Girl

“May I suggest that they channel all their energy to building up and forming a real opposition party over the next five years and then field a candidate for the 2031 presidential election? Given the circumstances, that is their best bet because 2027 is already lost to them,” he said.

In a strongly worded critique, Fani-Kayode blamed the party’s current troubles on what he described as poor leadership and lack of substance, accusing its officials of focusing on rhetoric rather than solutions. He argued that the crisis was self-inflicted and a consequence of failing to build a credible political structure.

Despite the setback, the ADC has attempted to project resilience. Party officials confirmed that INEC communicated the development but insisted that the situation does not signal the collapse of the party. According to the party, more than 40,000 Nigerians have recently joined the ADC, a claim aimed at demonstrating continued grassroots support amid the turmoil.

Sources within the party indicate that consultations are ongoing, with possible legal steps being explored to challenge INEC’s action and clarify the implications of the appellate court ruling.

The unfolding ADC leadership crisis highlights broader issues within Nigeria’s political system, particularly the role of the judiciary in party administration and the struggle of smaller parties to maintain internal cohesion. Analysts say the development could influence political realignments ahead of 2027, as affected politicians may seek alternative platforms.

For now, the exchange has intensified political tensions, with Fani-Kayode’s remarks amplifying debate over party legitimacy, electoral readiness, and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.

ADC Crisis: Fani-Kayode Says Party ‘Rejected’ After INEC Derecognition