The founder and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said the party will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the ongoing leadership crisis and the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Nwosu made the declaration on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We are taking the necessary action both in court and with INEC, but we will not allow INEC to derail any of our programmes,” he said. “After that malicious INEC release, our chairman and the rest of us sat together and resolved to move ahead.”

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle involving rival factions, prompting INEC to withdraw recognition of certain party officials pending the outcome of ongoing court proceedings.

Despite this, Nwosu maintained that the party had complied with all legal requirements governing its activities.

“We submitted our programme to INEC according to the law, and they endorsed it — all the dates were approved. By the Electoral Act, whether they attend or not is their own decision; we have not violated any provision,” he said.

He further disclosed that the party’s congresses had already commenced, with the national convention scheduled to hold on the 14th as planned.

“The congresses have already started. Our national convention, slated for the 14th, will also go ahead, where we will validate everything we have done,” he stated.

Nwosu added that the party was focused on building a leadership structure driven by reform-minded individuals.

“We don’t want opportunists in the ADC; we want mission-driven leaders who have the courage to challenge a bad system,” he said.

He also noted that the party would continue to notify INEC of its activities, including processes related to candidate selection for future elections.

“If they don’t accept it, we will publish it to all Nigerian media because they represent the people,” he added.