The African Democratic Congress has unveiled a new international strategy, appointing envoys across 12 major global cities to spotlight what it described as a growing trend of undemocratic practices and pressure on opposition figures in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the establishment of a Special Representatives Network (SRN) in key foreign capitals. He explained that the initiative is designed to deepen international engagement and reinforce democratic accountability.
According to Abdullahi, developments since July 2025 have included attempts “to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation.”
He stated that the SRN would create structured communication channels between the ADC and international stakeholders, including foreign governments, legislative bodies, global media organisations, and diaspora communities.
“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, noting that they would also present the party’s policy direction and reform agenda.
The designated engagement cities include Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York.
As part of the initiative, the party also plans to roll out a national documentation framework to track incidents affecting political participation nationwide. State chapters will collect data on alleged threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities.
The move comes amid internal party tensions following a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to derecognise factions of the party led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala. The commission cited a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal as the basis for its position.
In a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said it would refrain from engaging either faction, including attending meetings or conventions, pending the outcome of a case before the Federal High Court.
The development has sparked strong reactions within the party, with the faction aligned to David Mark calling for the removal of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, over what it described as a biased interpretation of the appellate court ruling.
What you should know
The ADC has launched an international advocacy strategy by appointing envoys in 12 global cities to highlight concerns about Nigeria’s democratic environment.
The move comes amid internal party disputes and INEC’s decision to suspend engagement with rival factions.
The initiative aims to attract global attention, strengthen international partnerships, and position the party as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
