The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a new dimension on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding official recognition.
Recall that Sen. David Mark, and other chieftains of the party including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi and teaming party supporters, beseached INEC headquarters on Wednesday, demanding the restatement of Mark as the party chairman.
Bala, who claims to be a key figure in the party’s leadership structure, led supporters and loyalists to the electoral body’s office, where they submitted a petition insisting that INEC recognise his faction as the legitimate leadership of the ADC.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Bala accused the Commission of bias and selective recognition, alleging that due process was not followed in acknowledging the current leadership of the party.
“We are here to demand justice. INEC must remain neutral and uphold the law. The recognition of any leadership must be based strictly on the constitution of the party and due process,” he said.
The protest comes amid lingering disputes within the ADC over its national leadership, particularly following recent developments involving INEC’s derecognition of some factional executives after a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12.
While one faction of the party is led by former Senate President, David Mark, another group has continued to challenge the legitimacy of that leadership, insisting that proper internal processes were not followed.
Bala maintained that his faction represents the authentic structure of the party, arguing that decisions leading to the emergence of the current leadership were flawed and lacked broad-based consensus.
“Our position is clear. We are the authentic leadership of the ADC, and we will continue to pursue all lawful means to ensure that justice is done,” he added.
The crisis has triggered concerns among party members and political observers, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. Analysts warn that unresolved leadership disputes could weaken the party’s chances and affect its growing influence in the opposition space.
Efforts to reconcile the warring factions have so far yielded little progress, with both sides maintaining firm positions on the legitimacy of their claims.
