Abia ADC State Chairman Disowns April 7-14 Congresses Amid National Leadership Crisis

Abia ADC Chairman Don Norman Obinna declares the April 7-14 congresses invalid, citing court orders and INEC's removal of the national committee.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 4:31 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Abia State Chapter Refutes Scheduled Congresses

The Abia State branch of the African Democratic Congress, known as the ADC, has issued a formal clarification stating it is not participating in or organizing any congresses previously slated for April 7 through April 14, 2026. In a message directed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party stakeholders, the state leadership emphasized that no authorized electoral activities at the ward, local government, or state levels would take place during this window.

Legal Rulings and INEC Compliance

State Chairman Mr. Don Norman Obinna explained that this decision follows a significant ruling by the Court of Appeal to uphold the status quo ante bellum regarding the party's leadership. This legal development led INEC to remove the David Mark-led National Working Committee from its official portal. According to Obinna, INEC has instructed state officers to refrain from overseeing any supposed state congresses or national conventions until the legal ambiguities surrounding the national leadership are fully resolved.

Confirmation of Existing Executive Tenures

The state chairman declared that the current mandates of the ward, LGA, and state executives in Abia remain valid and in full effect. He urged party members and leaders to ignore any calls for new elections during the contested period, describing the proposed congresses as unauthorized under the current judicial framework. Obinna reassured the rank and file that the existing leadership structures are the only recognized authorities within the state chapter at this time.