The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that more than half a million Nigerians joined the political party between April 1 and 5.

Mr Abdullahi on Sunday in a tweet on X said the newly registered persons joined the party following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to de-recognise the ADC leaders.

“Between 7:00 PM on April 1st, when @inecnigeria released its statement, and 5:00 PM today, over half a million (500,000) new Nigerians have joined the ADC,” the tweet stated.

Last Wednesday, INEC removed a former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola’s names from its portal as national chairman and secretary of the ADC respectively, following  an appeal court ruling.

The commission said its decision followed a review of a judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, emanating from a leadership crisis within the party.

The electoral body equally delisted the name of the factional chairman of the ADC, Nafiu Bala Gombe.

“The commission shall not, given the reliefs claimed in the originating summons and the pending motions, receive any further communication or deal with any of the parties or groups pertaining the affairs of the party and will not monitor any Meeting, Congress or Convention convened on behalf of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by any group until the matter is decided by the Federal High Court, Abuja,” the INEC said in a statement.

“Since the names of the current National Working Committee members led by Senator David Mark were uploaded on 9th September, 2025 by INEC (7 days after the suit was instituted), the names would be removed from the INEC portal pursuant to the order of the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the matter is decided by the trial court,” the electoral body stated.

Responding to INEC’s decision, the ADC spokesman in a statement said “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.”