The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing a potential disruption of its national convention as tensions escalate within the party over leadership disputes.
State congresses, which are meant to pave the way for the convention, were suspended yesterday in several states, including Ondo, Anambra, Sokoto, and Bayelsa, due to disagreements between rival factions.
The uncertainty comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition from the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
The crisis deepened when former members of the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee (NWC), led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, claimed leadership of the party.
In response, 25 state chairmen who rejected both the disputed Mark faction and Gombe’s claim established a 20-member interim committee headed by Kingsley Temitope Ogah, chairman of the Kogi State chapter.
Ogah maintained that the formation of the interim leadership was in line with the ADC constitution, citing their positions within the National Executive Committee (NEC) as justification.
In a show of defiance, the David Mark faction staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding the reinstatement of recognition for its leaders.
Prominent party figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mark, former governors Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Tambuwal, Peter Obi, and Buba Galadima, called for the removal or resignation of INEC chairman Prof. Gohash Amupitan.
They accused him of bias and interfering in the party’s internal affairs, and demanded a formal apology, withdrawal of “offensive correspondence,” and a commitment to refrain from further interference.
In a letter dated April 8, the party leaders warned that failure to meet their demands would compel them to activate “all lawful and constitutional mechanisms,” including judicial action and coordinated civic engagement.
They argued that the interpretation of court judgments lies solely within the judiciary, and criticised the INEC chairman for allegedly overstepping his authority.
According to the leaders, such interference risks undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s multi-party electoral system.
Addressing the protest, Atiku Abubakar commended Mark for participating despite it being his 78th birthday, describing the action as a stand for democratic principles.
Peter Obi urged Nigerians to support the demonstration, warning against the potential dominance of a single party and the weakening of opposition structures. He emphasised that the protest was a call to defend democratic values, urging citizens to reject authoritarianism and uphold electoral integrity.
Rabiu Kwankwaso highlighted that the peaceful march united opposition leaders and democrats in advocating for transparency, impartiality, and accountability in the electoral process.
Aminu Tambuwal labelled INEC as partisan, describing the protest as a patriotic effort to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
Rauf Aregbesola accused the commission of attempting to restrict opposition participation ahead of the 2027 elections and stressed that citizens’ growing involvement in such demonstrations reflects a desire for free and credible elections.
Amid the turmoil, ADC congresses are proceeding unevenly across the country. Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Rivers, Benue, Plateau, Borno, and Osun plan to hold congresses as scheduled, while Ondo, Anambra, and Bayelsa have suspended theirs in compliance with INEC directives or due to leadership disputes. Kaduna, Ogun, and Adamawa remain uncertain as factions consult internally before final decisions.
The party has warned against unauthorised gatherings and placed security agencies on alert to prevent escalation.
