The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has experienced a massive surge in membership following a controversial move by the electoral body. 

According to the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, over 500,000 new members joined the fold within just a few days.

This sudden influx of supporters followed the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist key party leaders. Specifically, Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were removed as the national chairman and secretary from the commission’s official portal.

INEC’s action was reportedly triggered by a court order requiring the maintenance of the status quo during a leadership dispute. The commission stated it would not recognize any factional leaders, including Nafiu Bala Gombe, until the legal battle over the party’s chairmanship is resolved.

The commission noted that it received conflicting legal demands from different camps within the party. While some legal representatives urged INEC to uphold a Court of Appeal judgment favoring Gombe, others warned against recognizing him pending further legal clarification.

The ADC leadership has described the delisting as a strategic attempt to weaken their internal structures and democratic foundations. Despite the administrative setback, the party views the rapid growth in membership as a sign of strong public solidarity.

In response to the development, party officials have urged their supporters to remain mobilized and firm in their commitment. They characterized the current struggle as a necessary defense of democratic principles against external interference.