The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has deepened following the suspension of 15 prominent members of the party by a faction led by Nafiu Bala. Those affected include a former National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu, a move that has further exposed the growing leadership rift within the opposition party.
The six-month suspension was announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, after a regular meeting of the party’s National Working Committee held in Abuja. Other suspended members are Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, Dr Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Ms Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba and Razak Eyiwuawi.
In a statement released after the meeting, the Bala-led faction accused the affected members of engaging in activities that went against party rules. According to the faction, the actions of the suspended members were capable of creating division, weakening party unity and disrupting internal operations.
Bala said the leadership observed that some party members were involved in conduct described as anti-party, including dealings with coalition groups that allegedly caused disaffection among members. He added that the decision to suspend them was taken in line with the party’s constitution and would remain in effect for six months.
The factional leadership also rejected the conduct of congresses reportedly organised by some members in various states. It stated that the ward, local government and state congresses were not approved by the National Working Committee and should not be recognised.
According to the statement, individuals organising such congresses lacked the authority to do so, and the outcomes of the exercises were declared invalid. Party members and the general public were advised to disregard all decisions arising from the congresses.
In addition to the suspensions, the meeting approved several new appointments aimed at strengthening the party’s administrative structure. A federal lawmaker from Kogi State, Leke Abejide, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Patrons based on his position as one of the party’s senior elected officials.
Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation, Bello Shehu as Director of Finance, and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary. The party directed all appointees to resume work immediately after collecting their appointment letters from the national headquarters.
The National Working Committee also set up a four-member panel to conduct the Osun State governorship primary election. Dr Rufus Ikanmi was named Chairman of the committee, with Henry Moses as Secretary, while Muhammad Ibrahim and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh Katagum were appointed as members.
The appointment of Abejide has added another layer to the crisis within the ADC, as a rival faction of the party had earlier announced his expulsion. That faction, led by former Senate President David Mark, had endorsed a decision by the Kogi State chapter of the party to remove Abejide over alleged acts of indiscipline.
The Mark-led group also disclosed that the Kogi chapter had written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, requesting that Abejide’s seat representing Yagba Federal Constituency be declared vacant.
In a separate statement issued by the spokesperson of the rival faction, the group reaffirmed what it described as the party’s strict stance on discipline and internal order.
The latest developments highlight the deep divisions within the African Democratic Congress, with rival leaderships issuing conflicting decisions. The ongoing power struggle continues to raise concerns about unity, authority and direction within the party ahead of future elections.