ADC Forms Envoy Network To Engage Foreign Governments, Counter INEC, Presidency’s ‘One-Sided’ Narratives

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the appointment of envoys in 12 major cities across the world. The party said the move is part of efforts to draw international attention to what it described as a “growing pattern of undemocratic practices and attacks on opposition members” in Nigeria.

The development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from both the faction led by David Mark and another group headed by Nafiu Bala.

In a statement issued by Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education, the commission explained that it would not relate with either faction. It based its decision on a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal. INEC also stated that it would stay away from any meetings or activities organised by the groups until a pending case before the Federal High Court is resolved.

The decision has generated strong reactions. The Mark-led faction of the ADC called for the removal of INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan. The group argued that the commission’s position reflects bias and weakens public confidence in the electoral body.

On Saturday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed that the ADC has created a “special representatives network (SRN) in key foreign capitals” to deepen its international engagement and promote accountability in governance.

He alleged that since July 2025, there have been attempts “to destabilise opposition parties, undermine legitimate party leadership structures, and restrict democratic political participation”.

According to Abdullahi, the SRN will serve as a formal channel between the ADC and global stakeholders. He said selected individuals will act as envoys in strategic cities. Their role will include engaging foreign governments, legislative institutions, international media organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora.

He added that the representatives will keep their host countries informed about political developments in Nigeria. These include issues related to governance, human rights, election credibility, and what he described as pressure on opposition figures. They will also present the party’s policy ideas and reform agenda.

Abdullahi noted that the initiative is designed to reinforce the party’s image as “a responsible democratic actor” and present it as a credible alternative for leadership.

The ADC listed Washington DC, London, Brussels, Berlin, Ottawa, Paris, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Accra, Geneva, and New York as the cities where the envoys will operate.

The party also revealed plans to launch a documentation system across the country. Abdullahi said this mechanism will record incidents that affect political participation.

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