The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) worsened on Tuesday as state chairmen of the party rejected rival factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, declaring their actions illegal and announcing a new interim leadership.
The State Chairmen Forum, speaking at a press conference in Abuja through the Abia State chairman, Don Obinna, accused both camps of hijacking the party structure from its “bonafide members.”
The forum threw its weight behind the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw recognition from the factions, following a recent appellate court ruling.
Obinna said, “We disassociate the ADC from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, Prof. Osunbor and all members of the so-called coalition who attempted to hijack our party. All actions taken by them in the name of the ADC are not binding.”
He further dismissed claims by Bala’s camp, insisting that the factional leader never held the position he claims within the party hierarchy.
The chairmen also faulted the purported expulsion of the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, describing it as “an act of desperation taken too far,” while reaffirming his membership and loyalty to the party.
According to the forum, the ADC “is not for sale” and cannot be controlled by “political elites and former office holders” seeking to advance personal ambitions under the guise of a coalition.
Interim Leadership Announced
In a move aimed at stabilising the party, the forum unveiled an interim leadership committee to oversee its affairs pending the conduct of a national convention.
The committee is headed by Ogga Kingsley as acting national chairman, with Odion Kennedy as secretary and Muhammad Jidda as deputy chairman.
Other members include Kabiru Hussaini, Charles Omidji, Johnny Derek, Stella Chukwuma, Don Obinna, and Samuel Gyang.
Background
The ADC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership tussle since July 2025, when a coalition reportedly took over the party’s structure, triggering internal dissent.
The crisis escalated last week after INEC announced it would no longer recognise the leaderships of both the Mark-led and Bala factions, citing a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal and a pending suit before the Federal High Court.
The electoral body also said it would refrain from participating in any meetings, congresses, or conventions organised by the rival groups until the legal dispute is resolved.
The latest development signals a deepening fragmentation within the party, raising fresh concerns over its cohesion ahead of future political contests.
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