ADC Leadership Considers PRP Option as Crisis Intensifies Ahead of INEC Deadline

Embattled opposition figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are moving with increasing urgency, fast-tracking contingency plans and zeroing in on the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) as their backup option before key electoral deadlines close in.

The move comes amid a prolonged leadership crisis within the ADC, which has become entangled in multiple court cases and created uncertainty over the party’s legitimacy going into the 2027 election cycle.

A key trigger for the latest political manoeuvres is the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for submission of party membership registers.

INEC has fixed May 10 as the deadline, a timeline that effectively determines who can participate in party primaries.

Under the Electoral Act, only individuals captured in a party’s membership register before submission can contest in primaries, making early alignment with a political platform critical.

Confirming the development, PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, told ThisDay key opposition figures had opened discussions with his party.

He noted that the PRP remains open to collaboration with political actors seeking a credible platform.

At the centre of the ADC crisis is a leadership dispute involving David Mark and rival factions challenging his emergence.

The situation has led to multiple court cases, including matters before the Supreme Court; Paralysed party structures across states; Competing factions laying claim to leadership.

INEC has already withdrawn recognition from the Mark-led leadership following court directives, further complicating the party’s position.

The ADC has recently attracted major political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola.

Sources say many of these actors are now exploring alternative platforms as legal uncertainties persist.

The situation is expected to reach a critical point as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear key appeals related to the ADC crisis.

The court has fixed April 22 for an accelerated hearing of the disputes, a move seen as decisive for determining which faction controls the party.

A parallel crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also before the apex court, raising concerns about broader instability within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Amid the turmoil, the PRP has openly invited opposition leaders to join its ranks.

Lagos State Chairman, James Adeshina, described the ADC crisis as a threat to opposition unity, warning that continued fragmentation could weaken democratic competition.

“At a time when the nation urgently needs a strong, united front, internal crises like this only weaken the opposition,” he said.