ADC appoints envoys in 12 cities to counter FG narratives

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled plans to deploy envoys across 12 major global cities in a bid to engage foreign governments and challenge what it described as “one-sided” narratives by the federal government.

The initiative comes amid escalating tensions between the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following the commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from factions within the party’s leadership.

INEC had said it would refrain from engaging either the David Mark-led group or the rival faction pending the outcome of an ongoing case before the Federal High Court, citing a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

In response, the ADC criticised the decision and announced the creation of a Special Representatives Network (SRN), aimed at strengthening international engagement and drawing attention to what it called “undemocratic practices” in Nigeria.

In a statement, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary said the move would establish formal communication channels between the ADC and key global stakeholders.

He explained that appointed envoys would serve as liaisons with foreign governments, international media, parliamentary institutions and diaspora communities, while also presenting the party’s policy positions and reform agenda.

According to him, the envoys will also brief host countries on developments in Nigeria’s political environment, including governance issues, electoral integrity and alleged restrictions on opposition activities.

The designated cities for the initiative include Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva and New York.

Abdullahi added that the party would complement the initiative with a national documentation project to track incidents affecting political participation across the country.

“State party structures will gather information on incidents including threats, harassment, violent attacks, arbitrary arrests, and disruptions of political activities,” he said.

The ADC maintained that the move is part of efforts to position itself as a credible democratic alternative while strengthening its international profile amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.