Bayelsa African Democratic Congress Halts All Party Congresses Following Mandatory INEC Directive

ADC Chairman Johnny Derek halts all Bayelsa congresses to comply with INEC directives. Unauthorized gatherings are strictly forbidden as security agencies monitor.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 8:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation

Mandatory Suspension of Party Activities

The African Democratic Congress in Bayelsa State has officially suspended all planned congresses across the state with immediate effect. This decision, announced in Yenagoa, impacts every level of the party's internal electoral structure, including ward, local government, and state gatherings. State Chairman Johnny Derek issued a formal statement on Tuesday clarifying that the move was not an internal choice but a mandatory response to external regulatory requirements. The suspension will remain in place indefinitely as the party navigates the current legal and administrative landscape.

Compliance with Electoral Regulations

According to the party leadership, the suspension is a direct result of a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission. The regulatory body has mandated that all political parties maintain the status quo, effectively pausing internal transitions and leadership contests. Derek emphasized that this directive is final and legally binding for all members of the ADC. He noted that the state chapter is committed to full compliance with the commission's orders to ensure the party remains within the legal framework governing Nigerian political organizations.

Warning Against Unauthorized Gatherings

The state chairman issued a stern warning to members and factions within the party regarding the organization of unsanctioned events. The official statement declared that no individual or group has the permission to convene, sponsor, or participate in any congress or gathering under the guise of party activity during this suspension period. Derek characterized any attempt to bypass this order as a deliberate act aimed at undermining lawful authority and destabilizing the peace. The leadership made it clear that ignorance of these rules or reliance on instructions from unauthorized sources would not be accepted as a valid defense.