A new internal dispute has broken out in the African Democratic Congress as the 2027 elections draw closer. A group loyal to the factional National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, has cautioned top opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai, to stay away from attempts to take control of the party.
The warning came from the ADC Board of Trustees during a briefing in Abuja. The BoT also expressed full support for Bala while rejecting the David Mark coalition, which they described as an unlawful body working with a rival leadership.
Speaking at the briefing, the BoT Secretary, Chief Rufus Ekenmi, criticised what he called an attempt to infiltrate the party through a coalition arrangement. He said some politicians had brought what he described as a culture of disobedience into the ADC. Ekenmi said, “There is an attempt to hijack the party by the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, El Rufai and others, which is illegal and condemnable.”
He added that most of the figures involved were “politicians with a high level of impatience.”
The faction instructed Bala to begin disciplinary action against any ADC member who cooperates with the coalition, saying the party would not tolerate disorder.
Reacting to the BoT’s support, Bala said he would protect the constitution of the party and lead fairly. He accused the coalition of operating from another headquarters which, he said, goes against the ADC constitution. According to him, “Only registered members in good standing are entitled to party privileges, including access to official premises.”
Bala also said the group had violated the rules that guide political parties, including provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of Nigeria.
He questioned why the Independent National Electoral Commission recognised David Mark as chairman when he is not listed as a member of the party. Bala noted that the issue was now before the Federal High Court, where stakeholders were waiting for a ruling.
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the claims. He said they would not join issues with the Bala faction. According to him, “We do not like engaging in this kind of conversation. We are not aware that any faction exists.”
The latest disagreement comes three days after the Mark-led faction opened a new national secretariat in Abuja. The property was once used by Atiku during his presidential campaign but has now been taken over by the ADC. Abdullahi said the building change simply meant that Atiku’s tenancy had ended and did not signal a major political shift.
He maintained that the party was preparing for its congresses in February and that the coalition structure remained the same. He added that Obi and El Rufai were expected to rejoin activities fully after the Anambra governorship election.
The ADC has continued to push for key opposition figures to resign from their current parties and officially join the ADC. Some of the leaders have resisted this demand. Obi, through his former campaign spokesman Dr Yunusa Tanko, said he would make his position clear only after the November 8 Anambra election.
The internal party struggle worsened in August when Nafiu Bala declared himself the National Chairman, creating a leadership clash that has divided the ADC as the 2027 polls approach.