A leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress has deepened as a faction led by Nafiu Bala approached the Independent National Electoral Commission, asking it to stop recognising David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s national chairman and secretary.
The move follows recent court developments linked to the dispute over control of the party.
The conflict began after Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the party, insisted he should take over leadership following the resignation of the former chairman, Ralph Nwosu. His claim has been challenged in court, leading to a series of legal actions involving both camps.
Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja declined Bala’s request to remove the current leadership through an interim order, but directed the opposing parties to respond to the case.
In response, David Mark filed an appeal against that decision, but the Court of Appeal later dismissed his case on procedural grounds, stating it was not properly filed. The appellate court also instructed all parties to maintain the existing situation until the main case is decided.
Following that ruling, Bala’s legal team wrote to INEC, urging the commission to act in line with the court’s directive by stopping recognition of the current leadership and allowing him to assume the position of national chairman. He also called on party members to remain calm as the matter continues in court.
However, another legal representative wrote to INEC opposing Bala’s request, advising the commission not to make any changes until the court delivers a final judgment. The lawyer argued that the current leadership structure remains in place and should not be altered during ongoing legal proceedings.
Amid the dispute, fresh claims emerged from within the party alleging that there are efforts to weaken the ADC by influencing INEC’s decisions. The claim suggested that there is a plan to limit opposition participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The All Progressives Congress has rejected these allegations, stating that it is not involved in the ADC’s internal issues. The party maintained that the crisis is a result of internal disagreements and advised that all parties should follow the court’s directive while pursuing any further legal action.
The situation remains unresolved as both factions continue to push their claims while awaiting the final outcome of the case before the Federal High Court.