The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has worsened, with internal divisions and legal battles forcing the suspension of planned state congresses across several parts of the country.
The dispute has split the party into three major factions—one led by former Senate President David Mark, another by Nafiu Gombe, and a third group made up of some state chairmen. The situation escalated further after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition of the Mark-led National Working Committee.
As a result, preparations for the party’s congresses scheduled for April 11, 2026, have been thrown into uncertainty. While many states have suspended the exercise, others insist they will proceed as planned.
On Thursday, supporters of the Gombe faction stormed INEC headquarters in Abuja, demanding recognition and accusing the Mark-led leadership of attempting to hijack the party. Gombe insisted that due process must be followed, warning against what he described as undue interference in the party’s affairs.
The protest came just a day after the Mark-led camp also staged a demonstration under the #OccupyINEC banner, accusing the electoral body of undermining democracy and the party’s internal structure.
Across the states, the crisis has taken different turns. Courts have halted congresses in places like Adamawa, while states such as Anambra, Ondo, Niger, and Oyo have suspended their activities in compliance with legal and regulatory directives.
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However, other states including Plateau and Jigawa have vowed to move ahead with their congresses, insisting they have met all legal requirements. In some areas like Kaduna and Osun, rival factions have issued conflicting directives, further deepening confusion among party members.
Meanwhile, the Mark-led leadership has approached the Federal High Court, seeking an order to compel INEC to restore its recognition and reinstate its officials on the commission’s records. The case is expected to be heard urgently due to its impact on the party’s structure and activities.
With multiple court cases, protests, and parallel leadership claims, the ADC now faces a serious internal crisis that could affect its stability and readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
