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By Peter Olubiyi, Abuja
The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as the faction led by former Senate President, David Mark, announced the expulsion of key party figures, including former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide.
The expulsions were ratified at the party’s National Convention held in Abuja, where the leadership cited alleged anti-party activities and attempts to destabilise the organisation.
Other affected members include Kenneth Ehiator, Stella Chukwu, Elias Adiukwu and several others, all accused of actions deemed inimical to party unity.
The development comes amid a protracted leadership tussle within the ADC, with Bala insisting he remains the authentic National Chairman despite claims that he had earlier resigned as Deputy National Chairman.
Bala, alongside Abejide, had recently led a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning prominent political figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Mark—against alleged attempts to hijack the party.
The dispute has also triggered legal battles, with a suit filed by Bala contributing to INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Mark-led leadership.
Addressing delegates at the convention, Mark described the crisis as a “generational challenge,” urging opposition leaders across party lines to unite in rescuing Nigeria’s democracy.
“Our objective is not merely political success, but a duty to demonstrate that democracy can deliver a better life for Nigerians,” he said, adding that the ADC represents a platform for national rebirth.
He accused unnamed forces of attempting to frustrate the party through institutional and bureaucratic means, including efforts to prevent the convention from holding.
Despite these challenges, Mark maintained that the ADC would not be intimidated, insisting that a strong opposition remains essential to democratic survival in Nigeria.
The convention also recorded a major structural shift, as delegates overwhelmingly voted to amend the party’s constitution. Out of 1,576 accredited delegates, 1,471 voted in favour—representing 94 per cent approval.
Chairman of the Electoral Sub-Committee, Emeka Ihedioha, announced the results, confirming that the amendments had been duly adopted.
Earlier, the party ratified key resolutions from its National Executive Committee (NEC), including the dissolution of the Chief Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee and the formal takeover by the Mark-led leadership.
Resolutions also approved waivers on membership requirements and suspended zoning provisions for party offices, signalling a significant shift in internal power arrangements.
The convention drew prominent opposition figures who used the platform to criticise the Federal Government and electoral authorities.
In his remarks, Atiku alleged that INEC was being used to undermine democracy, vowing resistance against any attempt to subvert the will of the people.
Peter Obi warned that Nigeria’s rising debt profile under President Bola Tinubu was unsustainable, cautioning that the country was “heading to disaster” despite the removal of fuel subsidy.
Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, raised concerns over worsening insecurity, likening recent developments to civil war conditions in some parts of the country.
Similarly, ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, described the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda as deceptive, urging President Tinubu to resign.
Despite INEC’s decision not to monitor its activities due to ongoing litigation, the ADC proceeded with its congresses and national convention.
In his closing remarks, Mark described the convention as a milestone, expressing confidence that it marked the beginning of the party’s march toward the Presidential Villa in 2027.
“Today marks the beginning of our journey to the Villa,” he declared, amid applause from party faithful.
