ADC, NDC Withdraw From Kano By-Election, Citing Internal Crises

Two Nigerian opposition parties, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), have withdrawn from a by-election for a seat in the Kano State House of Assembly, citing internal disputes and a strategic focus on the 2027 general elections. The withdrawal leaves six parties to contest the poll for the Dawakin Kudu constituency seat, scheduled for September 19, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that preparations for the by-election are complete and released a final list of six participating parties: the Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Peoples Party (APP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). INEC urged voters, candidates, and parties to comply with electoral laws and maintain peace. The ADC's Kano State chairman, Musa Shuaibu Ungogo, stated the party's withdrawal was due to an ongoing leadership crisis currently before the courts. He said the party had candidates prepared but could not proceed because of the dispute over control of the party structure.