Indications are that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, may have put on hold plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the party’s leadership crisis.

Sources close to Makinde and the ADC told Patriotic Insights News that both governors have slowed consultations to defect to the ADC after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-recognized the party’s leadership.

The INEC decision has also cast doubt on the intentions of National Assembly members reportedly planning to join the party.

On Wednesday, INEC removed the names of the National Working Committee (NWC) of ADC, led by Mark, from its official portal, citing a Court of Appeal ruling. The commission said it would maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the outcome of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The ruling follows a protracted leadership struggle within the ADC, with rival factions led by Nafiu Gombe and Mark each claiming control of the party. INEC noted that the appellate court, in a March 12, 2026 judgment, instructed all parties to maintain the situation as it existed before the dispute and avoid actions that could affect the case outcome.

Despite this, the Mark-led NWC rejected INEC’s decision, called for the dissolution of the electoral commission, and vowed to proceed with the National Convention scheduled for April 14 in Abuja.

Earlier reports suggested that Makinde and Bala were considering the ADC following the prolonged crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bala, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, hinted at a possible defection after meeting a delegation from the ADC, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the Presidential Lodge, Bauchi.

The Bauchi governor described the ADC as a “preferred destination” but emphasized that consultations were ongoing to ensure a well-informed decision. Similarly, Makinde had been engaging ADC leaders, though sources suggest he might reconsider joining the party.

A close ally of Makinde, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “I’m not sure Makinde will join the ADC again because ever since INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership, he has not shown interest in further engagements with ADC leaders.”

Reacting to the speculation, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser to Makinde on Media, dismissed claims that the governor was leaving the PDP, calling them “mere rumors.”

The Bauchi PDP chapter also denied that Bala had joined the ADC. State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dayyabu Chiroma, said while a committee had been set up to assess the party’s political future, no decision had been made to leave. “All I can tell you is that we are still in the PDP, and we are stronger together,” he said.

Lawmakers’ Defections in Limbo

Uncertainty also surrounds the planned defection of some lawmakers. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Bauchi, said consultations were ongoing. “We are still consulting and will decide in the next week,” he stated.

Similarly, Lagos lawmaker Jesse Onuakalusi, recently reported to have defected from the Labour Party to the ADC, declined to comment on his next move.

For Uchenna Okonkwo, representing Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency in Anambra State, INEC’s action does not pose cause for alarm. “The Court of Appeal did not ask INEC to remove anyone’s name. As far as we are concerned, the issue will be resolved,” he said, adding that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would likely lead the way for many LP defectors.

Okonkwo stressed that the challenges facing Nigerians—poor power supply, high fuel costs, and rising living conditions—transcend party lines.