The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a notable political party in Nigeria, is grappling with an intensifying leadership crisis that threatens to fracture its unity and undermine its relevance in the country’s political landscape. On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the faction led by Acting National Chairman Nafiu Bala escalated the conflict by setting stringent conditions for recognizing the interim leadership of former Senate President David Mark and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola. This development marks a significant escalation in a dispute that has been simmering since the beginning of the year, when a coalition of prominent opposition figures adopted the ADC as a platform for their political ambitions. The unfolding drama highlights deep-seated issues of party governance, constitutional fidelity, and the struggle for control within Nigeria’s opposition politics.
The Roots of the Crisis
The ADC, established as a progressive political platform, has historically positioned itself as an alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, its relatively modest electoral success has made it an attractive target for political realignments, especially for opposition figures seeking a viable platform to challenge the ruling establishment. Earlier in 2025, a coalition of high-profile politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, announced their adoption of the ADC as a vehicle for their political agenda.
This move, intended to consolidate opposition forces ahead of future elections, was seen as a strategic effort to create a formidable third force in Nigerian politics. The coalition appointed former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, signaling their intent to reorganize the party under their leadership. However, these appointments were met with fierce resistance from the existing ADC leadership under Acting National Chairman Nafiu Bala, who heads the faction based in Gombe State. The Bala-led faction views the coalition’s actions as an attempt to hijack the party’s structure, leading to a bitter standoff that has now spilled into the public domain.
Nafiu Bala’s Faction Sets Conditions
On Tuesday, Nafiu Bala, through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Abimiku Monday, articulated the faction’s position during an interview on Arise Television. Monday’s remarks were unequivocal: for the Bala-led faction to recognize the interim leadership of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, the duo must adhere to the party’s constitutional processes. Specifically, they must formally join the ADC at the ward level and align with the existing party structure under Bala’s leadership.
“If they follow the legal procedures of joining the party through the electoral wards by identifying with the actual existing structure of Nafiu Bala Gombe, then we would definitely accept whatever discussion they want us to have,” Monday stated. He emphasized that any attempt to bypass these procedures would be considered an “aberration” and an effort to “hijack” the party’s structure. Monday further underscored the faction’s commitment to upholding the ADC’s constitution, arguing that there would be “no shortcuts” to undermine the party’s legal framework.
This insistence on constitutional adherence reflects the faction’s broader concerns about legitimacy and control. The Bala-led group argues that the coalition’s imposition of Mark and Aregbesola as interim leaders disregards the established leadership hierarchy and violates the party’s internal democratic processes. By demanding that the opposition heavyweights start their membership journey at the grassroots level, the faction is asserting its authority and seeking to maintain its grip on the party’s organizational structure.
The Coalition’s Bold Move
The coalition’s adoption of the ADC earlier this year was a calculated move to leverage the party’s existing registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to avoid the arduous process of registering a new political party. Nigeria’s electoral laws require new parties to meet stringent criteria, including nationwide representation and significant grassroots support, which can take years to achieve. By aligning with the ADC, the coalition aimed to bypass these hurdles and position itself as a viable contender in the 2027 general elections.
The appointment of David Mark, a seasoned politician with a long history in the PDP, as Interim National Chairman was intended to lend credibility and gravitas to the coalition’s efforts. Similarly, Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and a key APC figure before his defection, was named Interim National Secretary to signal the coalition’s seriousness in restructuring the ADC. The inclusion of figures like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Babachir Lawal, and Peter Obi further underscored the coalition’s ambition to unite disparate opposition forces under a single platform.
However, the coalition’s strategy has backfired, at least in the short term, as it has triggered a fierce backlash from the Bala-led faction. The coalition’s failure to consult or integrate the existing ADC leadership in its plans has fueled accusations of high-handedness and opportunism. Critics within the Bala faction argue that the coalition is attempting to exploit the ADC’s platform without respecting its established leadership or membership base.
Legal and Political Implications
The leadership crisis has already taken a legal turn, with the Bala-led faction filing a court case against the coalition. The lawsuit challenges the legitimacy of Mark and Aregbesola’s appointments and seeks to reaffirm Bala’s authority as the Acting National Chairman. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the ADC’s future, as well as for the coalition’s political ambitions.
From a legal standpoint, the dispute hinges on the interpretation of the ADC’s constitution and Nigeria’s electoral laws. Political parties in Nigeria are required to adhere to their constitutions, which outline procedures for leadership selection, membership registration, and internal governance. The Bala faction’s insistence on ward-level registration for Mark and Aregbesola is rooted in these constitutional provisions, which prioritize grassroots participation and democratic processes. If the courts rule in favor of the Bala faction, the coalition’s attempt to take over the ADC could be derailed, forcing its members to either negotiate with the existing leadership or seek another platform.
Politically, the crisis underscores the challenges of building a unified opposition in Nigeria’s fragmented political landscape. The coalition’s high-profile members bring significant name recognition and political experience, but their inability to secure the support of the ADC’s existing leadership highlights the difficulties of merging diverse political interests. The dispute also raises questions about the coalition’s strategy and whether it underestimated the resilience of the ADC’s internal structure.
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Opposition Politics
The ADC crisis is emblematic of broader challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition parties as they seek to challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP. The two major parties have long dominated Nigerian politics, with the APC holding power at the federal level since 2015. However, growing dissatisfaction with the APC’s governance, coupled with internal divisions within both the APC and PDP, has created an opportunity for a third force to emerge.
The coalition’s adoption of the ADC was seen as a bold step toward capitalizing on this opportunity. By bringing together figures from different political backgrounds—Atiku from the PDP, El-Rufai and Amaechi from the APC, Obi from the Labour Party, and Lawal from the political fringes—the coalition aimed to create a broad-based platform capable of appealing to diverse constituencies. However, the current crisis suggests that internal cohesion and legitimacy will be critical to the success of any such initiative.
The ADC itself has struggled to make significant electoral inroads since its formation. While it has fielded candidates in past elections, it has yet to secure major victories at the national or state levels. The party’s appeal lies in its status as a registered platform with a national presence, making it an attractive option for political realignments. However, its internal divisions and limited grassroots support could undermine its ability to serve as a viable vehicle for the coalition’s ambitions.
The Path Forward
The ongoing leadership crisis presents both challenges and opportunities for the ADC and the broader opposition movement. For the Bala-led faction, the priority is to defend the party’s constitutional integrity and maintain control over its structure. By taking a hardline stance against the coalition, the faction risks alienating powerful political actors but also stands to assert its authority and preserve the ADC’s identity as a grassroots-driven party.
For the coalition, the crisis highlights the need for a more inclusive and strategic approach to party takeover. Rather than imposing new leadership, the coalition may need to engage in dialogue with the existing ADC leadership to find a mutually acceptable resolution. This could involve integrating coalition members into the party’s structure through formal membership processes or negotiating a power-sharing arrangement.
The role of the courts will also be pivotal in determining the outcome of the crisis. A ruling in favor of the Bala faction could embolden other smaller parties to resist takeovers by larger political forces, while a decision supporting the coalition could pave the way for similar realignments in other parties.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The leadership crisis has generated significant media attention, with outlets like Arise Television providing a platform for both sides to air their grievances. Public reaction, as reflected in posts on X, has been mixed. Some Nigerians view the coalition’s move as a desperate attempt by “political dinosaurs” to cling to relevance, while others see it as a necessary step toward building a stronger opposition. The Bala faction’s insistence on constitutional fidelity has resonated with those who value party democracy, but critics argue that it risks stifling the ADC’s potential to grow under new leadership.
The crisis has also sparked debates about the role of political parties in Nigeria’s democracy. Many observers argue that the country’s political system, dominated by two major parties, stifles competition and innovation. The ADC’s struggle to redefine itself could serve as a test case for whether smaller parties can evolve into viable alternatives or remain marginalized in the face of entrenched interests.
Conclusion
The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress is a microcosm of the challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition politics. The standoff between the Nafiu Bala-led faction and the coalition of opposition heavyweights reflects deeper tensions over legitimacy, control, and the future direction of the party. While the Bala faction’s insistence on constitutional adherence underscores the importance of internal democracy, the coalition’s bold move to adopt the ADC highlights the urgent need for a unified opposition to challenge Nigeria’s political status quo.
As the crisis unfolds, the resolution—whether through dialogue, legal rulings, or political maneuvering—will have significant implications for the ADC and the broader opposition movement. For now, the party remains at a crossroads, with its future hanging in the balance as competing factions vie for control. The outcome of this struggle will not only shape the ADC’s trajectory but also offer valuable lessons for Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
