Fesochukwu Jason
The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a dramatic turn, with state chairmen openly backing the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delist a rival leadership faction, further widening cracks within the opposition party.
At the center of the growing turmoil is a power struggle that now threatens the unity and future of the ADC ahead of critical political activities. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the Abia State Chairman of the party, Don Norman Obinna, declared that state chairmen across the country have distanced themselves from the faction led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Obinna, who addressed journalists alongside other party leaders after a National Executive Committee meeting, described the move by INEC as both necessary and justified. According to him, the decision to recognize only one leadership structure is crucial to restoring order within the party.
“We are in total support of INEC in derecognizing the David Mark-led faction,” he stated firmly, signaling a clear alignment between the party’s state structures and the electoral body.
The endorsement marks a significant setback for the Mark-led group, which had earlier resisted INEC’s action. The faction had accused the commission of attempting to weaken opposition voices and push Nigeria toward a one-party system, a claim that adds a broader political dimension to the internal party dispute.
However, the state chairmen appear determined to shut down any claims of division within the party. Obinna insisted that the ADC remains united under the leadership of its 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, whom he described as the only legitimate leader recognized by the party’s structures.
“ADC has no faction; we are the legal leadership,” he said, dismissing suggestions of parallel authority within the party.
Despite this assertion, the crisis is far from over. The Mark-led faction has vowed to proceed with its planned congresses and national convention scheduled between April 7 and April 14, 2026. This move sets the stage for a possible showdown, as two opposing groups continue to operate with competing claims of legitimacy.
Political analysts warn that the situation could escalate into a prolonged legal and institutional battle, potentially weakening the ADC at a time when opposition parties are expected to strengthen their structures ahead of future elections.
The involvement of INEC adds another layer of complexity. While the commission’s role is to regulate and ensure compliance within political parties, its decision to delist a faction is often seen as a powerful intervention that can shape internal party dynamics. Supporters argue that such actions help maintain order, while critics view them as interference that could undermine internal democracy.
For the ADC, the immediate concern is credibility. A divided leadership not only confuses party members but also erodes public trust. Voters are less likely to support a party perceived as unstable or embroiled in constant internal conflict.
The Abuja meeting, therefore, appears to be a strategic attempt by the state chairmen to project unity and reassert control over the party’s direction. By aligning with INEC and rejecting the rival faction, they are sending a strong message that the party’s structure remains intact under one leadership.
Yet, the defiance of the Mark-led group suggests that reconciliation may not come easily. With parallel activities planned and strong rhetoric from both sides, the crisis could deepen in the coming days.
As events unfold, the ADC faces a critical test of its internal governance and political relevance. Whether the party can resolve its differences or descend further into factional battles will determine its standing in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
For now, what is clear is that the struggle for control within the ADC is no longer a quiet internal disagreement—it has become a full-blown political confrontation with national implications.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.