Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that external interests are fuelling the crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that a factional leader within the party is enjoying unusual privileges suggestive of powerful backing.
Atiku, who spoke in an interview with DW Hausa, said the internal wrangling within the ADC was being engineered by vested interests uncomfortable with the party’s growing popularity across the country.
According to him, the development has not deterred Nigerians from identifying with the party, noting that new members continue to join from different parts of the federation.
“People from all states are still joining the party. Nothing has happened to suggest that Nigerians are withdrawing their support. Not at all,” he said.
However, the former Vice President expressed concern over what he described as “unusual treatment” allegedly being accorded to a factional party leader, believed to be Nafiu Bala.
He alleged that the said official had been provided with security personnel, official vehicles, and a residence in a manner akin to a state governor, raising questions about the source of such privileges.
“What is happening is external interference. Some individuals have been bought over and used because certain interests have noticed that the party is gaining momentum by the day. They see this growth as a threat if it continues,” Atiku said.
“How can someone who claimed to be the party chairman suddenly be provided with security, vehicles and a residence? It clearly points to outside influence. We have evidence. We know where he resides and we observe how he moves around, almost like a governor,” he added.
Atiku further questioned the movements of the factional chairman since the crisis began, suggesting that his travel patterns were suspicious.
“Since the beginning of this crisis, he has not travelled to his hometown. Why is he afraid?” he queried.
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle between Nafiu Bala and a National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark, over the control of the party.
The dispute escalated after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the names of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, respectively, following a Court of Appeal ruling.
It was gathered that Bala, a former Deputy National Vice Chairman of the party, had earlier rejected Mark’s emergence as chairman, insisting that he should have assumed leadership following the resignation of the previous executive.
He subsequently approached the court, seeking an injunction to restrain Mark and his team from parading themselves as party leaders, as well as an order compelling INEC to recognise him as the authentic acting national chairman.
Bala also sought to stop the electoral commission from recognising or dealing with Mark’s faction, a move that deepened the party’s internal conflict.
In September 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted an ex parte order in his favour, directing the respondents, including INEC, to show cause why his prayers should not be granted.
However, Mark challenged the ruling, filing an appeal on December 18, 2025, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on March 12, 2026, issuing preservatory orders in the process.
The factional dispute further intensified when Bala filed another motion seeking to halt all party activities, including conventions and congresses, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed receipt of multiple correspondences from both factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and making competing demands.
The electoral umpire said it would strictly adhere to the directive of the Court of Appeal in handling the ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC.
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