ADC Halts Kogi Congresses as INEC Orders Status Quo, Warns Against Factional Activities (Press Release Uploaded)
The ADC in Kogi State suspends all ward, LGA and state congresses in compliance with INEC directive, urging members to remain calm and united.
LOKOJA
The Kogi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the immediate suspension of all its scheduled ward, local government and state congresses, citing compliance with a directive issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision, contained in a statement signed by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Kingsley Ogga, underscores growing regulatory scrutiny over internal party processes as political activities gradually build ahead of future electoral cycles.
According to the statement, INEC had formally directed political parties to maintain the status quo, indicating that it would neither monitor nor recognise any congresses conducted under the current circumstances.
The development is widely seen as part of broader efforts by the electoral body to address internal disputes and ensure orderliness within party structures across the country.
“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC Kogi State Chapter fully aligns with this directive,” Ogga stated, reaffirming the party’s respect for INEC as the constitutionally mandated regulator of political parties in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the suspension affects all previously scheduled congresses at the ward, local government and state levels, effectively halting ongoing preparations within the party’s structure in Kogi State.
Political observers note that congresses are critical to party organisation, as they determine leadership structures and delegate composition ahead of primary elections. The suspension, therefore, signals a temporary pause in internal political realignments within the ADC in the state.
Ogga called on party members and stakeholders to remain calm and demonstrate discipline, warning against any actions that could contravene INEC’s directive or disrupt internal cohesion.
“All members are enjoined to maintain unity and avoid any activity capable of undermining peace and order within the party,” he said.
The ADC leadership in the state also reiterated its commitment to democratic principles and due process, assuring members that further directives would be communicated in line with guidance from INEC and other relevant authorities.
The move comes amid heightened political activities across Kogi State, where parties are gradually repositioning ahead of future elections, making adherence to regulatory guidelines a key factor in maintaining legitimacy and stability within party systems.
Analysts say the ADC’s compliance reflects a cautious approach aimed at avoiding factional disputes and legal complications that have, in the past, affected party congress outcomes in Nigeria.
With the suspension now in effect, attention is expected to shift to INEC’s next line of action and how political parties, including the ADC, will navigate internal processes within the framework of electoral regulations.