Nigeria, April 3 -- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted it will proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention, defying warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amid an escalating leadership crisis within the party.

In a statement issued on Friday, the party said its internal processes would go ahead as planned despite what it described as "illegal actions" by the electoral umpire.

The National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, jointly signed the statement.

The party maintained that it had complied with all statutory requirements, including formally notifying INEC of its activities.

According to the party, screening of as...