The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling, alleging that the electoral body acted under pressure from a government panicked by the opposition momentum despite its efforts to destroy all opposition parties and foist a one-party rule on Nigeria.

The party described INEC’s position as contradictory and inconsistent with facts, insisting that it would publicly clarify these issues, while warning that the commission has effectively sided with the government against Nigerians. ADC said it is currently reviewing its options and will announce its next steps soon, urging its members and the public to remain steadfast as events unfold.

The full statement read:

We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling. We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties.

INEC’s press statement is full of contradictions that fly in the face of both facts and reason. We shall clarify these contradictions for all to see. What is clear, however, is that INEC has caved to pressure and has chosen to side with the government against the Nigerian people.

We are currently reviewing our options, and we shall make these known soon.

Meanwhile, we call on our members and all Nigerians to remain steadfast as they await further directives.

Nigeria is rising. ADC is rising.

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has indicated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is his preferred political destination, fueling speculation about a potential departure from the crisis-plagued Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as the country’s opposition landscape begins to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed made the declaration on Tuesday in Bauchi after a meeting at Ramat House with an ADC delegation led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal.

He said he explored every avenue for reconciliation within the PDP, but efforts ultimately failed.

The governor explained that extensive consultations had confirmed ADC as the platform most aligned with his political vision and that of his associates.

“We left all our options open, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), but we realized we cannot remain where we are not wanted. We must find a place within the opposition,” Mohammed said.

Describing the ADC as “enduring and widely acceptable” to his stakeholders, the governor emphasized that ongoing discussions across political divides accounted for the delay in making a final decision.

“Because I am managing two constituencies – Bauchi State and the Federation – we must act carefully. Party interests at both national and sub-national levels, especially within the PDP, must be respected. That is why discussions have taken time,” he added.

Mohammed revealed that a formal announcement of his defection would be made soon, as negotiations were underway to “perfect the conditions” for the move.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the governor said ongoing consultations with key stakeholders were critical to building a strong opposition. “The people in ADC are our brothers. Some joined earlier, and we are joining now,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Babachir Lawal warned that Nigeria’s future could be at risk if the APC-led government retains power in 2027.

He disclosed that efforts are ongoing to unite opposition forces under the guidance of former Senate President, David Mark, describing the upcoming elections as a decisive moment for the nation.

Lawal urged political actors with “good intentions” to consolidate and avert what he termed a looming national crisis.

The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeriain in Pretoria has issued a security advisory to Nigerians living in South Africa following recent developments in the Eastern Cape Province and rising tension across the country.

In a statement dated March 30, 2026, and released in Pretoria, the mission urged Nigerian nationals to be more conscious of their personal safety and to moderate their movement while the situation remains uncertain.

It advised citizens to limit interaction with unfamiliar persons, maintain a low profile at all times and remain law-abiding while respecting local laws and customs.

The High Commission also directed Nigerians to suspend socio-cultural activities temporarily and to avoid making inflammatory statements on social or mainstream media capable of heightening the current tension.

It warned citizens to stay away from any demonstrations or counter-protests and to refrain from unnecessary display of wealth that could expose them to risk.

According to the mission, Nigerians who notice any threat to their lives or personal safety should immediately report to local police or other security agencies, while those in doubt about any of the safety measures were advised to contact the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg for guidance.

The advisory comes amid growing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with the Nigerian mission urging its citizens to remain vigilant until tensions subside.