By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on March 16, 2026, in Abuja, as rival factions led by Nafiu Bala and David Mark clashed over party control, prompting appeals to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and raising concerns about the party’s stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bala Pushes for Recognition as Chairman
Nafiu Bala formally wrote to INEC, urging the commission to recognise him as the ADC National Chairman.
Through his counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), Bala argued that a recent Court of Appeal ruling supports his position. He insisted that INEC must avoid recognising the current leadership led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Bala also urged party members to remain calm, united, and law-abiding as the dispute continues.
Legal Opposition Warns INEC
However, Bala’s move faced strong opposition from another legal camp.
Sulaimon Usman (SAN), representing Gamzaki Law Chambers, advised INEC to reject Bala’s request.
Usman stressed that the case remains before the Federal High Court. Therefore, recognising new leadership now would violate legal principles.
He added that the existing leadership, formed during a July 2025 NEC meeting monitored by INEC, remains valid until the court delivers a final judgment.
Political Tensions and Allegations
Meanwhile, the crisis has taken a political turn.
A party figure, Abdullahi, alleged that elements within the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are pressuring INEC to deregister the Mark-led leadership.
He claimed the strategy aims to weaken the ADC before the 2027 elections. According to him, opposition figures could become trapped if deregistration occurs late.
He also alleged that Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeks to avoid strong electoral competition.
APC Dismisses Allegations
Reacting swiftly, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru dismissed the claims as baseless.
He stated that neither the Presidency nor the APC is involved in the ADC crisis.
Basiru emphasised that the dispute remains a legal matter among party members. He also warned INEC against violating court orders.
He advised dissatisfied parties to approach the Supreme Court instead.
Court Rulings Shape the Dispute
The crisis began after former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned. Bala argued that party structure entitles him to succeed.
In September 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite rejected Bala’s request to remove Mark and Aregbesola. Instead, the court asked them to justify their positions.
Dissatisfied, David Mark filed an appeal. However, a panel led by Uchechukwu Onyemenam dismissed it as procedurally incompetent.
The court ruled that the appeal lacked proper leave. Importantly, it ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending final judgment.
Crisis Intensifies Ahead of 2027 Elections
Following the appellate ruling, Bala’s faction intensified efforts to gain recognition.
The struggle for control now threatens the ADC’s ability to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
As legal battles continue, INEC’s next decision could significantly shape the party’s future.
