The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of wider efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this on Saturday, saying the ADC is currently focused on nationwide mobilisation, expanding its membership base and strengthening its internal structures. According to him, these efforts are aimed at laying a strong organisational foundation before the next electoral cycle gathers momentum.
Abdullahi explained that the party’s immediate priority is to build what he described as a “solid organisational framework” across the country. He noted that the ongoing membership registration exercise would serve as the backbone for future congresses and conventions at both state and national levels.
He said 2026 would be a defining year for the ADC, particularly as preparations for the selection of the party’s presidential candidate are expected to significantly reshape its internal dynamics and increase political activity nationwide.
“Don’t forget that by June or July, at the latest, we must have a presidential candidate. That will also add to the momentum and redraw the political dynamic,” Abdullahi said.
He added that once a presidential candidate emerges, interest in other elective positions would rise, further energising the party. “Once a presidential candidate emerges and you see people also coming up to contest the governorship election, it will change the momentum,” he stated.
The party spokesman cautioned against interpreting the current pace of political activity within the ADC as a sign of unpreparedness. According to him, political engagement typically intensifies as election seasons draw closer, and the party is deliberately building its structures ahead of that surge.
On the timing of the ADC’s national convention, Abdullahi said while discussions were still ongoing, the party plans to hold two conventions in 2026. He explained that the first convention would be used to ratify decisions already taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC), while a second convention would be dedicated to the selection of the party’s presidential candidate.
“We will have the first convention to ratify the decisions that the NEC has taken this year. We will have another one to decide our next presidential candidate. That will come towards the middle of the year. But I cannot give you a definite date for now,” he said.
The announcement comes amid growing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a platform for broader participation and competition in the coming polls.
