FRESH indications have emerged that key political figures, including Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, are reconsidering their planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid the party’s deepening leadership crisis.
Multiple credible sources within political circles and the ADC News Point Nigeria that both governors have slowed down consultations regarding their possible move, following the recent action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which de-recognised the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
The development has also cast a cloud of uncertainty over several lawmakers in the National Assembly who had earlier indicated interest in defecting to the ADC, with many now adopting a wait-and-see approach.
INEC had, on Wednesday, removed the names of the ADC NWC led by Ralph Nwosu (referred to in reports as Mark-led leadership) from its official portal, citing a ruling by the Court of Appeal. The commission said it was acting in compliance with a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The electoral body stressed that the directive was necessary to prevent actions that could prejudice the outcome of the ongoing legal dispute, which stems from a prolonged leadership tussle within the ADC. Rival factions, led by Nafiu Gombe and another group within the party, have been laying claim to the party’s national structure.
Despite INEC’s position, the disputed NWC rejected the commission’s decision, describing it as unacceptable and even calling for the dissolution of INEC. The faction also insisted it would proceed with plans for its scheduled National Convention in Abuja on April 14.
The unfolding crisis appears to have disrupted earlier political calculations, particularly among members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), many of whom had reportedly been considering the ADC as an alternative platform ahead of future elections.
Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, had earlier hinted at a possible defection after a closed-door meeting with an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, in Bauchi. He described the ADC as a “preferred destination,” citing unresolved internal issues within the PDP despite repeated reconciliation efforts.
However, recent developments suggest a shift in momentum. Sources close to Governor Makinde disclosed that he has shown little interest in further engagements with ADC leaders since INEC’s intervention, raising doubts about his eventual defection.
Reacting to the speculation, Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed the claims, insisting that the governor remains firmly in the PDP.
“The information is mere rumours, nothing like that,” he stated.
Similarly, the Bauchi State chapter of the PDP maintained that Governor Bala Mohammed had not defected. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, reiterated that the governor and his supporters remain within the PDP fold.
“We are still in the PDP, and we are stronger together,” Chiroma said, noting that although a committee had been set up to assess the party’s political future, no decision had been reached regarding a possible exit.
Findings further indicate growing hesitation among lawmakers who had earlier signalled interest in joining the ADC. Many are now reconsidering their options in light of the party’s unresolved leadership dispute.
A member of the House of Representatives representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Mansur Soro, confirmed that consultations were still ongoing.
“We are still consulting and we’ll decide in the next one week,” he said.
In the same vein, Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi declined to clarify his next move amid the uncertainty, while Uchenna Okonkwo downplayed the significance of INEC’s action, expressing confidence that the legal issues would eventually be resolved.
Okonkwo maintained that the Court of Appeal did not explicitly direct INEC to remove names from its portal, arguing that the commission may have interpreted the ruling in its own way.
He further suggested that the political direction of key opposition figures, including Peter Obi, could influence the decisions of many lawmakers, particularly those from the Labour Party.