The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has halted the immediate assumption of office by newly elected officials, insisting they must wait until a formal swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 12, 2026.
In a move aimed at eliminating confusion over its leadership transition, the party declared that all incoming executives particularly at the state level are prohibited from exercising authority until the current leadership completes its tenure and a formal inauguration is conducted.
The directive was contained in a statement issued Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who emphasized that the existing leadership remains fully in charge pending the completion of the transition process.
“For clarity, all existing executives remain the duly recognised officers,” the party stated, underscoring that authority will only be transferred in line with constitutional procedures.
While confirming May 12 as the date for the swearing-in, the ADC noted that any change would be officially communicated.
The party also issued a stern warning to newly elected officials, urging them to refrain from actions that could blur leadership lines or trigger internal conflicts.
It specifically advised incoming officers to desist from any conduct capable of undermining the transition framework or creating confusion within the party’s structure.
Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and institutional order, the ADC said the directive was necessary to safeguard constitutional processes and prevent parallel leadership struggles often associated with political transitions.
