A new faction has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This new group has rejected the leadership of the Senator David Mark-led coalition and distanced itself from Nafiu Bala’s faction.
According to Africa Independent Television, the faction led by Don Norman Obinna claims to represent the legitimate National Executive Committee of the party.
The group says it is stepping in to manage the party’s affairs ahead of the next national convention.
At a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the group stated that “The tenure of Ralph Nwosu, who handed the party to the David Mark group, had ended in August 2022, and afterwards, he (Nwosu) had faced a series of litigations due to his failure to step down.”
The faction also clarified the status of Nafiu Bala, noting that he “never held the position of National Vice Chairman,” and affirmed that former ADC presidential candidate “Dumebi Kachikwu is still a member of ADC”
The group further disclosed that new interim leaders have been appointed to oversee party activities, ensuring continuity until the national convention is held.
The remarks come amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which has seen rival factions contest control of the party. The Independent National Electoral Commission recently withdrew recognition of the party’s leadership under former Senate President David Mark.
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the decision on April 1, citing a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit challenging the legality of Mark’s leadership.
The commission removed Mark and Aregbesola from its portal and stated it would not recognise Nafiu Bala of Gombe, who had approached the court seeking to be declared national chairman.
Haruna explained that INEC had received conflicting legal demands from opposing camps, including a cautionary letter from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co. advising against recognising Bala, and a counter-letter from Summit Law Chambers requesting enforcement of the Court of Appeal judgment affirming Bala’s position.