Foreign Diplomats Attend Controversial ADC Convention

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention held in Abuja was attended by foreign diplomats, including representatives from the British High Commission. Rauf Aregbesola leads the faction that organized the event.

The British delegation included three members led by political secretary Thomas Samson and Nigerian staff member Damilola Oyedel. However, claims regarding the attendance of the Chinese ambassador, Yu Dunhai, were denied by the Chinese Embassy, which clarified that the individual introduced at the event was not the ambassador.

The ADC is currently divided into three major factions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the faction led by Aregbesola facing recognition issues from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC's recognition of the faction was suspended following a court ruling on March 12, and the faction led by Nafiu Bala has accused Aregbesola's group of hijacking the party.

The situation has led to calls for the resignation of INEC chairman Joash Amupitan as the crisis within the party deepens.