ADC takes democracy concerns abroad, appoints envoys to engage foreign govts

n n

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed envoys in 12 foreign cities as part of a new initiative aimed at drawing global attention to what it described as a “growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members” in Nigeria.

n

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the creation of a “special representatives network (SRN) in key foreign capitals” to strengthen international engagement and promote democratic accountability.

n

According to Abdullahi, since July 2025, there have been attempts “to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation.”

n

He said the SRN would establish structured communication channels between the ADC and international stakeholders, including foreign governments, parliamentary institutions, global media organisations, and diaspora communities.

n

He explained that appointed envoys would serve as points of contact in their respective locations, providing briefings on Nigeria’s political climate.

n

“The envoys will brief their host countries on Nigeria’s political environment, including governance, human rights concerns, electoral integrity, and alleged repression of opposition actors,” Abdullahi said, adding that they would also communicate the party’s policy positions and reform proposals.

n

The initiative, he noted, is designed to position the ADC as “a responsible democratic actor” and a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

n

The party listed Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York as the designated engagement capitals.

n

As part of the effort, Abdullahi said the party would also launch a national documentation framework to track incidents affecting political participation across the country.

n

“State party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” he stated.

n

The development follows the recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, citing a March 12 Court of Appeal ruling.

n

INEC, in a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, said it would refrain from engaging either faction, including attending meetings or conventions, pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.

n

The decision has triggered reactions within the party, with the Mark-led faction calling for the removal of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, over what it described as a biased interpretation of the court ruling.

n n