The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark, has vowed to take the party’s internal crisis beyond Nigeria’s borders, announcing plans to engage foreign governments, international organisations, and global human rights bodies over what it described as threats to democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The faction said the move became necessary in response to what it called increasing attacks on its members, attempts to undermine its leadership, and efforts to restrict opposition participation in the country’s political space.
The National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the group was expanding its political strategy to include international advocacy and engagement.
According to him, the faction is setting up a “Special Representatives Network” across key global capitals to project its position and counter what it described as misleading narratives about Nigeria’s political climate.
“As part of our efforts to strengthen international engagement, we are establishing a Special Representatives Network across key global capitals to engage foreign governments, amplify credible information about Nigeria’s political environment, and counter one-sided government narratives,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the network would engage foreign governments, international media, democracy-focused institutions, and members of the Nigerian diaspora, while providing regular updates on political developments, human rights concerns, and electoral integrity in the country.
The development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, which is positioning itself as a key opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party is currently split into two rival factions — one led by Mark and another by former vice chairman, Nafiu Bala.
Prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, are reportedly aligned with the Mark-led faction, which also lists former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as its national secretary.
Tensions escalated further after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended recognition of both factions, citing a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo pending determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, the Mark-led faction has pushed back strongly against the electoral umpire’s position, demanding the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, over allegations of bias and interference in party affairs.
INEC, in its defence, insisted that its actions were guided strictly by court orders and would remain in effect until otherwise determined by the judiciary.
The unfolding crisis has sparked broader political debate, with opposition figures alleging attempts to edge Nigeria towards a one-party system — a claim the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has consistently dismissed.
As part of its broader strategy, the Mark faction also announced plans to launch a National Documentation Initiative aimed at tracking and reporting incidents affecting political participation across the country.
The initiative, according to the faction, will serve as a mechanism for documenting alleged cases of political intimidation and safeguarding democratic processes.
“From Washington DC to London, Brussels to Addis Ababa, ADC is building a global platform for accountability,” Abdullahi said, adding that the party was determined to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy is “seen, heard, and defended everywhere.”
The escalation marks a significant turn in the ADC crisis, with the party’s internal wrangling now extending beyond domestic political structures into the international arena, raising fresh concerns about unity within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
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