The African Democratic Congress has announced the creation of a Special Representatives Network in major global capitals to boost its international engagement and promote democratic accountability in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the initiative would establish structured communication channels between the ADC and key international stakeholders, especially in countries and institutions that prioritise democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The move comes amid an internal leadership crisis that began in July 2025 after the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu, which led to the emergence of a new National Working Committee headed by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Following the transition, former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe challenged the leadership change in court. In March 2026, the Court of Appeal directed all factions to maintain the pre-litigation status quo pending a final ruling.
Tensions escalated further on April 1 and 2 when the Independent National Electoral Commission suspended recognition of all factions and removed details of the Mark-led committee from its official portal, citing the court’s directive.
Against this backdrop, the ADC said the initiative was prompted by what it described as a growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition figures since July 2025, including efforts to weaken opposition parties and restrict political participation.
Under the arrangement, the party plans to appoint credible representatives as envoys in selected global cities to serve as official liaisons with foreign governments, parliamentary bodies, international media, democracy-focused institutions, and Nigerian diaspora communities.
It said, “Through these engagements, the representatives will provide regular briefings on key issues relating to Nigeria’s political environment, including political developments in the country, human rights concerns, democratic governance, electoral integrity, and allegations of repression against opposition actors.
“They will also communicate the ADC’s policy positions and reform proposals to international stakeholders.”
The party noted that the goal is to ensure that international partners receive balanced and credible information about Nigeria’s political landscape rather than relying solely on official government accounts.
It added, “By institutionalising these channels of engagement, the party seeks to strengthen its credibility as a responsible democratic actor while also reinforcing its position as a viable governing alternative committed to democratic norms and constitutional governance.”
The ADC identified key cities for its engagements, including Washington, D.C., London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York City.
“The ADC stated that by institutionalising these channels of engagement, the party seeks to strengthen its credibility as a responsible democratic actor while also reinforcing its position as a viable governing alternative committed to democratic norms and constitutional governance.
“Based on their global influence, commitment to democratic governance, and the presence of significant Nigerian diaspora communities, the party has identified Washington, DC; London; Brussels; Berlin; Ottawa; Paris; Pretoria; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Accra; Geneva; and New York for its international strategic engagements.
“As part of the initiative, the party will also establish a National Documentation Initiative, to systematically collect and document incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria. Under this system, state party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” the statement read.
The ADC added that the initiative is a strategic move to expand its global presence, enhance the flow of credible information about Nigeria’s political environment, and reinforce its commitment to democratic governance, accountability, and the protection of opposition rights.