The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has engaged the US lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York L.C. to assist with issues related to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This decision comes in the wake of INEC’s recent announcement that it has withdrawn recognition of the ADC leadership led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola due to a court ruling.

On April 1, 2026, INEC declared it would not engage with the ADC, citing ongoing legal issues as the primary reason. This development has raised concerns about the ADC’s ability to participate in the democratic process, particularly as the party prepares for the upcoming 2027 General election.

Sule Lamido, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, criticized politicians aligning with the ADC, labeling them as “politically displaced.” Meanwhile, Felix Morka, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissed the ADC coalition’s influence, stating, “Fear a party that is a non-starter? Fear a party that is almost as good as non-existent?”

Morka further referred to key figures in the ADC as “twinkle, twinkle, little stars” with no substantial impact on the political landscape. This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism regarding the ADC’s viability as a political force.

Despite INEC’s derecognition of its leadership, the ADC plans to hold its Congress, asserting its commitment to the electoral process. The party has rejected INEC’s decision to remove its leadership from the electoral commission’s portal, indicating a determination to contest the ruling.

The lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York L.C. has stated that it represents foreign governments and international entities, not local US entities. This has raised questions about the ADC’s strategy and the implications of foreign involvement in its political maneuvers.

As the ADC navigates these challenges, it faces internal criticisms regarding its leadership crisis, which Morka attributes to internal failings. The party’s future remains uncertain, with observers closely watching how these developments will affect its participation in the upcoming elections.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the ADC’s next steps and the potential impact of its lobbying efforts on its standing with INEC and the broader electoral landscape.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once the ruling party in Nigeria until 2015, has been struggling to maintain its political relevance as the major opposition party. Internal crises have led to significant divisions within the party, resulting in the loss of numerous members, including governors and lawmakers. The party’s leadership has been contested among various factions, notably those loyal to leaders like Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde.

Decisive Court Ruling

On March 9, 2026, the Court of Appeal delivered a critical ruling that nullified the PDP’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025. This ruling stemmed from an appeal by the Kabiru Turaki faction, which was dismissed by the court, upholding a previous decision by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court. The court found that the PDP had failed to serve a valid notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the convention, which was a key factor in the ruling.

Immediate Effects on the PDP

The court’s decision has immediate repercussions for the PDP, as it has been ordered not to hold a national convention unless Sule Lamido is permitted to contest. Furthermore, the court awarded N2 million in damages against the Turaki faction for pursuing a meritless appeal. This ruling exacerbates the existing factionalism within the party, which is already divided among various leaders.

Expert Perspectives

Legal experts have pointed out that the PDP’s non-compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its own party guidelines is detrimental to its democratic standing. Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam emphasized that adherence to these regulations is crucial for the integrity of democratic governance. Ini Ememobong, a party spokesperson, expressed concern that the operationalization of the judgment will impose significant hardships on party members.

Future Implications

As the PDP navigates this crisis, the implications for its ability to field candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections remain uncertain. With INEC announcing that political parties will commence primary elections from April 23 to May 30, 2026, the PDP’s internal divisions could hinder its electoral preparations. Currently, the party controls only 12 states, a stark contrast to its previous dominance.

The ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP raises questions about its future viability as a political force in Nigeria. As factions vie for control, the party’s ability to unify and present a cohesive front ahead of the elections will be critical to its survival and relevance in the political landscape.

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