Rivers’ ADC insists on congresses, David Mark’s leadership

…blames INEC over non-participation in Feb 21 bye-elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted on proceeding with planned congresses in Rivers State despite the party’s national leadership crisis.

Leader Sampson, chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the ADC, said there is no division within the party, adding that it is committed to the leadership of David Mark, national chairman and Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation.

Sampson, in a pre-congress briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, said the party will proceed with its planned statewide congress scheduled for today, Thursday.

He said that the congresses, as sanctioned by the party’s national executive, have complied with all laid-down procedures and requirements.

Sampson noted that the ADC, under the leadership of its national chairman, David Mark, remains united, adding that former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi remains the party’s leader in Rivers State.

He said: ‘The leadership of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State wishes to affirm that the party remains one, united, and firmly aligned under the leadership of His Excellency, Right Honorable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

“We reiterate that there is no division within the party structure in Rivers State. All stakeholders, leaders, and members are working in harmony with a shared commitment to strengthening the party and advancing its ideas,” he said.

Sampson added that, “In line with the directives issued by the national leadership of our great party, the Rivers State Chapter of the ADC will proceed with its scheduled congresses and other statutory party activities.

“We have duly complied with all legal and procedural requirements, including formally notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the stipulated 21-day notice, as required by law,” he said.

The Rivers ADC chairman condemned the INEC’s decision to de-recognize the party under the chairmanship of David Mark.

He said Mark followed due process in emerging as the party’s national chairman, describing INEC’s action as detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic process and one that should be rejected.

Commenting on ADC candidates for Khana Constituency II and Ahoada East Constituency II not being on the ballot in the February 21 bye-election in Rivers State, Sampson said, “it was a deliberate attempt by INEC to exclude us from the democratic process. We are aware of the antics of INEC and we know what they are doing with the APC-led government.

“They’ve started again with the party as a whole by delisting the leadership of David Mark, Senator David Mark, at a national level. So, INEC in Nigeria is now a tool to disrupt democracy in Nigeria. Currently, our leaders are at the INEC headquarters protesting. What they are doing, what we are doing, is to defend democracy.

“The ADC in Rivers State remains committed to internal democracy, transparency and due process. We assure our members and the general public that all activities will be conducted in a peaceful, orderly and credible manner. We call on all parties faithful to remain steadfast, united and focused as we continue to build a stronger and more vibrant ADC in Rivers State under the leadership of Senator David Mark and his NWC members,” he said.