2027: ADC To Send Envoys Abroad After INEC Derecognition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that it will deploy special representatives to key capitals abroad to draw global attention to alleged human rights concerns and claims of the suppression of opposition voices in Nigeria.

This was disclosed on Saturday in a statement signed by the ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, and shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.

The move comes amid the recent decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise the factions of the ADC. The decision led to the derecognition of the faction led by David Mark.

According to the statement, the Special Representatives Network will create formal links with key international stakeholders committed to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

“Under the initiative, the party will appoint credible representatives as envoys in strategically selected global capitals. These representatives will serve as official points of contact between the ADC and international actors, including foreign governments, parliamentary committees, international media organisations, democracy support institutions, and Nigerian diaspora communities.

“Through these engagements, the representatives will provide regular briefings on key issues relating to Nigeria’s political environment, including political developments in the country, human rights concerns, democratic governance, electoral integrity, and allegations of repression against opposition actors. They will also communicate the ADC’s policy positions and reform proposals to international stakeholders,” the party said.

The party added, “The primary objective of the initiative is to ensure that international partners and democratic institutions receive balanced and credible information about Nigeria’s political environment, rather than relying solely on official government narratives.

“By institutionalising these channels of engagement, the party seeks to strengthen its credibility as a responsible democratic actor while also reinforcing its position as a viable governing alternative committed to democratic norms and constitutional governance. Based on their global influence, commitment to democratic governance, and the presence of significant Nigerian diaspora communities, the party has identified Washington, DC; London; Brussels; Berlin; Ottawa; Paris; Pretoria; Addis Ababa; Nairobi; Accra; Geneva; and New York for its international strategic engagements.”

The ADC stated that it would also establish a National Documentation Initiative to collect and document incidents affecting political participation across Nigeria.

INEC, in a statement announcing its decision, said the action followed a court directive to maintain the status quo pending the trial court’s final ruling.