In Abuja on Tuesday, a new group within the African Democratic Congress announced itself as another faction of the party, rejecting the leadership of the coalition linked to David Mark and distancing itself from the camp associated with Nafiu Bala.
The faction, led by Don Norman Obinna, said it represents the authentic National Executive Committee and has stepped in to manage the party’s affairs ahead of its next national convention. The announcement was made during a press briefing where the group outlined its position on the ongoing leadership dispute within the party.
According to the group, the tenure of former party chairman Ralph Nwosu had ended in August 2022, and events that followed led to several legal challenges. The faction maintained that the transition linked to the Mark-led camp did not follow a proper process.
The group also addressed the role of Nafiu Bala, stating that he did not hold the position often attributed to him in the party’s structure. It further clarified that Dumebi Kachikwu remains a member of the party despite the ongoing crisis.
As part of its moves, the faction said it has put in place interim leaders to oversee party activities for now. These leaders are expected to run the affairs of the party until a national convention is conducted to decide a new leadership.
The emergence of this faction adds to the growing leadership struggle within the ADC, as different groups continue to lay claim to control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.