ADC state chairmen reject David Mark, Nafiu Bala factions, announce interim leadership

The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has worsened, as the party’s State Chairmen Forum rejected rival factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, announcing a new interim leadership.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Don Obinna, chairman of the ADC in Abia State, accused both factions of hijacking the party from its “bonafide” members.

Obinna also backed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the factions, following an interim ruling by the Court of Appeal.

He reaffirmed that the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, remains a legitimate member, describing his reported expulsion as unjustified.

“We disassociate the ADC from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor and all members of the so-called coalition who attempted to hijack our party and state that all actions taken by them in the name of the ADC are not binding on the ADC,” Obinna said.

“We disassociate the ADC from the claims of Nafiu Gombe and firmly and unequivocally state that he has never held the position of deputy chairman of the ADC.

“The ADC remains a party of and for all Nigerians and not just for former political office holders and the elites. The ADC is also not for sale.

“The people who have called themselves the coalition have no democratic credentials and are only interested in a power grab, as evidenced by the way and manner in which they attempted to hijack our party and throw out the original members.

“We affirm that our former presidential candidate, Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, is a committed and bonafide member of our party whose purported expulsion by the David Mark-led group was an act of desperation taken too far.”

The forum unveiled an interim committee to manage the party’s affairs pending a national convention. Members include Ogga Kingsley (acting chairman), Odion Kennedy (secretary), Muhammad Jidda (deputy chairman), Kabiru Hussaini (assistant secretary), Charles Omidji (national organising secretary), Johnny Derek (deputy organising secretary), Stella Chukwuma (treasurer), Don Obinna (publicity secretary), and Samuel Gyang (financial secretary).

The leadership dispute dates back to July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party, triggering internal conflicts. Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman, has consistently argued that David Mark’s emergence as national chairman was unlawful.

The situation escalated further after INEC derecognised the Mark-led leadership, citing a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal. The commission announced it would not engage with either faction—declining to attend meetings, congresses, or conventions—until the matter is resolved in court.