The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the establishment of a Special Representatives Network across major international capitals, in a move aimed at strengthening its global engagement and promoting democratic accountability in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the initiative would create structured channels of communication between the ADC and key international stakeholders, particularly in countries and institutions that prioritise democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
According to the party, the network will serve as a platform for sustained engagement with foreign governments, parliamentary bodies, international media organisations, democracy support institutions, and Nigerian diaspora communities.
The development comes against the backdrop of an ongoing leadership dispute within the party, which began in July 2025 following the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu. His exit led to the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
However, the transition was challenged in court by a former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. In March 2026, the Court of Appeal directed all factions to maintain the pre-litigation status quo pending a final determination of the case.
The crisis further escalated on April 1 and 2 when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended recognition of all contending factions and removed the details of the Mark-led National Working Committee from its official portal, citing the appellate court’s directive.
Against this backdrop, the ADC said the launch of the international network was prompted by what it described as a growing pattern of undemocratic practices and sustained attacks on opposition figures since July 2025. These, it noted, include attempts to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate leadership structures, and restrict political participation.
Under the new initiative, the party will appoint representatives to serve as envoys in strategically selected global capitals. These representatives will act as official points of contact, providing regular briefings on Nigeria’s political environment, including developments in governance, human rights concerns, electoral integrity, and alleged repression of opposition actors.
They will also communicate the party’s policy positions and reform proposals to international stakeholders.
The ADC said the primary objective of the initiative is to ensure that international partners and democratic institutions receive balanced and credible information about Nigeria’s political landscape, rather than relying solely on official government narratives.
It added that institutionalising such engagement channels would enhance its credibility as a responsible democratic actor and reinforce its position as a viable governing alternative committed to constitutional governance.
The party identified key cities for the initiative based on their global influence, commitment to democratic governance, and the presence of significant Nigerian diaspora populations. These include Washington, D.C.; London; Brussels; Berlin; Ottawa; Paris; Pretoria; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Accra; Geneva; and New York.
As part of the broader strategy, the ADC also announced plans to establish a National Documentation Initiative to systematically track incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria. The system will involve state party structures collecting data on threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions to political activities.
The party described the initiative as a strategic step towards strengthening its international presence, improving the flow of credible information on Nigeria’s political developments, and reinforcing its commitment to democratic governance, accountability, and the protection of opposition rights.
