National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi has said the party is recording a sharp increase in new members since the recent action by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Lazeera News reports that he spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, April 20, 2026, where he linked the growing number of registrations to INEC’s actions affecting some well-known political figures.
Abdullahi explained that the rise in membership started after INEC took steps that affected names like David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. He said the development has made many Nigerians pay closer attention to political events in the country.
He added that more people are now showing interest in joining political groups because they are watching how things are unfolding and trying to take part in the process.
According to him, the situation has opened the eyes of many citizens, leading to more engagement and a steady flow of new members into his group.
He said, “As a matter of fact, since INEC took the decision to deregister David Mark, we have witnessed an unusual surge in membership registration, because Nigerians can now see clearly what is playing out”.
The development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, which has seen factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark laying claim to the party’s structure.
The dispute, which dates back to July 2025 when an opposition coalition assumed leadership of the party, has resulted in prolonged legal battles.
Citing a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, INEC announced that it would no longer recognise either faction.
The position was conveyed in a statement signed by the Commission’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna.
INEC said it would refrain from engaging with both groups and would not attend their meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of a suit before a Federal High Court.
