Legal analyst Barrister Asim Adams has criticised the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress, warning that alleged “political hijacking” could trigger legal setbacks ahead of the party’s primaries.
Mr Adams made the remarks during the VOP This Morning programme on VOP TV, where he raised concerns over the emergence of a new leadership bloc within the party, particularly the National Working Committee led by David Mark.
“You cannot just come and hijack a party leadership overnight… you must have a concession with the leadership you met on the ground. There must be leadership before you came on board,” he said.
The controversy follows allegations by the ADC that the Independent National Electoral Commission is being influenced to alter its leadership records amid the ongoing dispute.
Mr Adams further advised that inclusivity and internal consensus are key to stability within political parties.
“Why don’t you settle down… those people that you met in the party, you make them part and parcel of the EXCOs and then you please them. That’s how things are done,” he added.
He warned that bypassing established party structures could lead to prolonged legal disputes and weaken the party’s internal cohesion.
The crisis is unfolding just weeks before the party’s scheduled convention on 14 April, 2026, raising concerns about the legitimacy of decisions taken during the transition period.
Legal concerns
Mr Adams described reported attempts to influence INEC while the matter remains before the court as an abuse of legal process.
“The INEC chairman has no locus standi to intervene in a party matter, especially an internal matter that had to do with the Executive Committee,” he said.
“I am surprised that such a letter is emanating from a senior advocate… Once the matter is pending in court, parties must maintain the status quo.”
He stressed that all parties involved are expected to maintain the status quo until a final judicial pronouncement is made.
“You mean the INEC chairman does not know the meaning of status quo ante bellum? He doesn’t know? Then he should come, let me explain it to him here,” he added.
Allegations against ruling party
The legal analyst also alleged a pattern of interference by the All Progressives Congress in opposition parties.
“It’s obvious. Everybody has seen it now that yes, APC doesn’t want any opposition. Simple, they don’t,” he said.
“This is what they have been doing all along—using money to bribe your way to compromise all our institutions.”
“They have destabilised the People’s Democratic Party. They have destabilised the Labour Party. You now want to destabilise this particular one… any opposition that rears their head, you suppress them,” he added.
Risk to primaries
Mr Adams cautioned that the outcome of the party’s primaries could be jeopardised if the courts later invalidate the current leadership.
According to him, candidates produced under a disputed structure risk disqualification, which could significantly impact the party’s chances in future elections.
Internal divisions
Mr Adams also pointed to tensions between long-standing members, including Ralph Okey Nwosu, and newer entrants, noting that failure to reach consensus could leave the party deeply divided.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation to avoid further fragmentation.
Security concerns and call for intervention
Beyond party politics, the analyst raised broader concerns about Nigeria’s security situation, calling for urgent intervention.
“America should come and help us… they should move in. After all, they helped other countries to stabilise… why haven’t those countries collapsed?” he said.
“You may wake up and discover that there’s no Nigeria one day… the earlier we confront this and call for help, the better,” he warned.
Despite the internal crisis, Mr Adams suggested the situation could inadvertently benefit the ADC politically.
“The ADC should take advantage of what is going on now to reach out to the people… this incident will now attract a sympathy vote for them,” he said.
The development highlights the legal and structural risks facing political parties amid leadership disputes, as well as the broader implications for electoral credibility, opposition strength, and democratic stability ahead of upcoming elections.
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