ADC Crisis Deepens as New Faction Rejects Mark, Bala Groups

A new faction has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), intensifying the party’s internal crisis as it distances itself from both the David Mark-led opposition coalition and the camp linked to Nafiu Bala.

The group, headed by Don Norman Obinna, claims to represent the legitimate National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the faction argued that the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu ended in August 2022. It accused Nwosu of unlawfully holding on to power beyond his mandate, a situation it said sparked several legal disputes.

The group further described Nwosu’s decision to hand over party structures to the opposition coalition as illegal.

Outlining its position, the Obinna-led faction announced that it has completely severed ties with the David Mark-led coalition and dismissed any claims of authority by its members within the ADC.

It also rejected the involvement of Nafiu Bala, insisting he never occupied the office of National Vice Chairman.

The faction maintained that members of the coalition are not part of the ADC and therefore lack the authority to act or speak on behalf of the party.

In addition, it reaffirmed that the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, remains a legitimate member of the ADC.

To steer the party forward, the group announced the appointment of interim officials to oversee its affairs pending the conduct of a national convention.