A worsening leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress has exposed deep divisions in the party, with rival factions exchanging accusations over legitimacy, court interpretations and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, raising concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the heart of the dispute are conflicting readings of a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo, alongside competing claims to the party’s national leadership.
A chieftain of the party, Kenneth Okonkwo, alleged that there were moves to destabilise the ADC, warning that external forces might be working to weaken the platform before the next elections.
Okonkwo argued that the leadership recognised by INEC, reportedly led by former Senate President David Mark, remains valid, insisting that a court injunction cannot reverse an action already effected.
He said the appellate court’s directive to maintain the status quo effectively affirmed the current leadership structure, dismissing contrary interpretations by opposing members.
The lawyer also faulted the legal approach of the rival faction, noting that certain claims required substantive legal action rather than preliminary filings.
He cautioned against attempts to pressure INEC through persistent correspondence, urging aggrieved parties to allow the courts to resolve the matter.
However, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bashir Abdul-Mohammed, countered the claims, describing the crisis as self-inflicted and rooted in what he termed an unconstitutional takeover.
He maintained that the party’s constitution clearly stipulates that the deputy national chairman assumes leadership in the event of a resignation, insisting that Nafiu Bala remains the legitimate acting chairman.
Abdul-Mohammed interpreted the court’s directive differently, stating that the order required a return to the pre-dispute arrangement, which, according to him, recognises Bala’s leadership.
He accused INEC of failing to comply with the court’s directive and warned that the party might initiate contempt proceedings if the situation persists.
The spokesman also dismissed as forged a purported resignation letter attributed to Bala, noting that the matter was already before the court.
Despite the accusations, Abdul-Mohammed denied any external interference, stating that the faction’s actions were guided strictly by the rule of law.
He called on INEC to update its records and recognise what he described as the lawful leadership of the party.
