ADC crisis deepens as state presidents reject Mark, Bala factions and announce interim leadership

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) worsened on Tuesday as the party’s state chairmen dismissed rival factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, declaring their actions illegal and announcing new interim leadership.

The State Presidents Forum, speaking at a press conference in Abuja through the Abia State President, Don Obinna, accused both camps of hijacking the party structure from its “bona fide members”.

The forum strongly supported the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to withdraw recognition from the factions, following a recent appeal court ruling.

Obinna said: “We dissociate 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 non-binding.”

He also rejected Bala’s camp’s claims, insisting that the faction’s leader has never held the position he claims within the party hierarchy.

The chairmen also criticized the alleged 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 stabilizing the party, the forum set up an interim steering committee to oversee its affairs pending the holding of a national convention.

The committee is led by Ogga Kingsley as acting national president, with Odion Kennedy as secretary and Muhammad Jidda as vice president.

Other members include Kabiru Hussaini, Charles Omidji, Johnny Derek, Stella Chukwuma, Don Obinna and Samuel Gyang.
Background

The ADC has been embroiled in a long leadership battle since July 2025, when a coalition reportedly took control of the party structure, triggering internal dissent.

The crisis intensified last week after INEC announced it would no longer recognize the factional leadership led by Mark and Bala, citing a March 12 ruling by the Court of Appeal and a case pending before the Federal High Court.

The electoral body also said it will refrain from attending any meetings, congresses or conferences organized by the rival groups until the legal dispute is resolved.

The latest developments signal deepening fragmentation within the party, raising new concerns about its cohesion ahead of future political challenges.

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