ADC to newly elected exco: Don’t assume office until transition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning to its newly elected state executives and other officers, directing them to stay away from their offices until the formal transition date of May 12, 2026.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, gave the warning in a statement released on Friday.

He clarified that the current leadership remains the only constitutionally recognized authority until the transition process is officially completed.

The move is aimed at averting confusion and a possible power tussle, as the party insists on a clear, orderly handover process, with inauguration fixed for May 12, 2026, or any later date it may officially announce.

“The tenure of all newly elected state executives and other party officers shall not commence until the expiration of the tenure of the current executives and their formal inauguration by the party on May 12, 2026, or on any later date that may be officially communicated.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all existing executives remain the duly recognised officers of the Party until the completion of this constitutional transition process,” the party said.

It also put incoming officials, especially at the state level, on notice against actions that could stir tension or create parallel lines of authority within the party.

“Accordingly, all newly elected executives, particularly at the state level, are advised to take note and desist from any action, representation, or conduct that may contravene this clear constitutional directive or create confusion within the Party structure,” the ADC said.

The party reaffirmed that it will stick strictly to its rules as the transition unfolds.

“The ADC remains committed to orderliness, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution and democratic processes,” it added.