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By Veritas News Hub | July 14, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA The National Leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has moved to settle a brewing leadership tussle within its diaspora structure, declaring Hon. Daniel Akeni the duly recognized head of the ADC Diaspora Network, ADC-DN, and voiding all previous statements made to the contrary.
In a press statement issued Tuesday from the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, the ADC said the clarification became necessary to end misrepresentations and interference that have threatened the progress of its overseas chapters.
The statement was signed by the National Secretariat and referenced the party’s National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi.
According to the ADC, Hon. Daniel Akeni remains fully recognized and endorsed by the party’s highest national organs to continue his “strategic mandate and organizational leadership” within the diaspora network.
“The National Leadership unequivocally states that Hon. Daniel Akeni is fully recognized and endorsed by the party's highest national organs to execute his strategic mandate and continue his organizational leadership within the diaspora network,” the statement read.
The party stressed that the ADC-DN plays a critical role in mobilizing Nigerians abroad, fundraising, policy advocacy, and projecting the party’s ideology to international partners. As such, it said, stability in that arm is non-negotiable.
Party sources told Veritas News Hub that recent weeks had seen conflicting memos and public disclaimers circulating on social media and within some diaspora chapters, questioning Akeni’s authority. The national leadership said those documents were issued without the approval of the National Secretariat.
In what it termed an “official order,” the ADC directed all party organs, both at home and abroad, to immediately cease any actions that undermine Akeni’s work.
“The national leadership issues a strict directive to all party organs, local and international chapters, and external entities to desist from interrupting, undermining, or interfering with the progressive work being carried out by Hon. Akeni,” the statement said.
The party further declared that “any information, internal memo, or public disclaimer previously circulated to contrast or invalidate the position and operations of Hon. Daniel Akeni is hereby declared void.”
Stakeholders were instructed to accord Akeni “the necessary cooperation and support required to move the zone forward.”
The ADC said Akeni’s contributions have not gone unnoticed at the top of the party. The statement noted that his work has received “explicit acknowledgment and commendation by key stakeholders across the party structure, including high-profile validation from leadership quarters.”
While the party did not name the specific leaders, it said the recognition reflects Akeni’s role in expanding the ADC’s footprint in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, where large Nigerian communities have shown growing interest in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say diaspora support has become increasingly important for Nigerian parties, not only for funding but also for advocacy and voter mobilization among citizens abroad.
The ADC did not mince words in addressing those behind the counter-claims. The party described them as “fractional elements” acting in “bad faith, envy, and a desire to disrupt the progressive strides of the Diaspora Network.”
“The National Leadership explicitly states that the individuals or fractional elements responsible for fabricating and circulating the malicious disclaimer against Hon. Akeni are completely unrecognized by the party structure,” the statement said.
The ADC warned that such actions would not be tolerated and threatened “severe disciplinary and legal actions” against anyone who continues to issue parallel statements.
“These unauthorized actions stem purely from personal grievances against the established leadership,” the party added.
In a context note to the public, the ADC reiterated that it functions under a unified command structure, with the National Secretariat as the only body authorized to speak on party matters.
“The ADC operates under a unified hierarchy. Any parallel statements issued by individuals outside the recognized National Secretariat carry no weight, hold no official authority, and are driven entirely by personal grievances,” the party said.
The clarification appears aimed at preventing further factionalism within the diaspora network, which has in the past been a source of strength but also of internal conflict for Nigerian political parties.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the ADC has been working to reposition itself as a viable alternative to the ruling and major opposition parties. The diaspora network is expected to play a key role in funding, policy development, and international lobbying.
By reaffirming Akeni, the party is signaling a desire for unity and continuity in that structure. It is also sending a message that internal disputes will be resolved at the center, not through competing press releases.
For members of the ADC-DN, the directive means all activities, programs, and communications must now align with Akeni’s office.
The party concluded by directing members and the public to channel all inquiries and verification requests through the office of the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi.
“As the party consolidates ahead of upcoming electoral activities, the National Leadership remains committed to discipline, unity, and due process,” the statement added.
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