The African Democratic Congress in Rivers State has moved to press ahead with its scheduled congresses, despite the deepening leadership crisis threatening to fracture the party at the national level.
In a move seen as a show of defiance amid the turmoil, the state chapter announced that screening for aspirants seeking elective positions within the party would proceed as planned ahead of the congresses.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the State Organising Secretary, Tony Dagony, the party directed all aspirants contesting at the state, local government and ward levels to present themselves for screening at designated venues.
According to the schedule, state-level aspirants are to appear at the party’s state secretariat, while those vying for local government and ward positions are to be screened at their respective council and ward offices. The exercise is slated for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
The development comes as the ADC continues to grapple with a protracted leadership tussle that has cast uncertainty over its organisational structure and future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The crisis has polarised the party into rival camps, with one faction aligned with former Senate President, David Mark, and another loyal to factional leader, Nafiu Bala Gombe, both laying claim to the party’s leadership.
The situation has been further complicated by the stance of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which has reportedly delisted the party from its official website and withheld recognition from any of the feuding factions.
Amid the uncertainty, a third bloc led by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has also announced plans to convene a national convention and install an interim leadership to stabilise the party.
Despite the widening cracks at the national level, the Rivers State chapter’s decision to proceed with its internal processes signals an attempt to maintain grassroots momentum and organisational continuity in the face of escalating internal discord.