The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as a faction of the party led by David Mark announced the expulsion of several prominent members over alleged anti-party activities.
The decision was reached during the party’s national convention held in Abuja, highlighting deepening divisions within the opposition party, which has been grappling with leadership disputes for several months.
Among those expelled is the party’s factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, alongside other key figures including Leke Abejide, Kingsley Temitope, Obinna Norman, Kennedy Odiong, and Stella Chukwuma.
The motion for their expulsion was moved by Binos Yaroe and subsequently adopted by delegates at the convention through a voice vote, which reportedly received overwhelming support from attendees.
Addressing party members at the gathering, the ADC’s organising secretary, Chinedu Idigo, accused the affected individuals of undermining party unity and fostering division within its ranks.
“They have sown seeds of discord within the party and sought to create factions, doubts, and confusion across the polity, the public, and regulatory authorities, thereby causing instability within the party,” Idigo said.
He added that the expelled members had previously been given an opportunity to reconsider their actions but failed to do so, leaving the party leadership with no choice but to take decisive action.
The latest development underscores the prolonged internal strife within the ADC, which has been marked by competing claims to leadership and disagreements over the party’s direction. The crisis is widely traced back to around July 2025, when a coalition of opposition figures assumed control of the party’s leadership structure—a move that was immediately contested by another faction.
At the center of the dispute is the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership. Bala, prior to his expulsion, had consistently rejected the process that brought David Mark into a leadership role within the party, arguing that it did not follow due procedure.
Political analysts say the ongoing factional battle could further weaken the ADC’s chances in future elections, particularly as it seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to dominant parties in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The expulsions are expected to intensify tensions within the party, with the possibility of legal challenges or counter-actions from the affected members. Observers warn that unless the leadership crisis is resolved, the ADC may struggle to maintain cohesion and effectively mobilize support ahead of upcoming elections.
As the situation unfolds, attention will be on whether reconciliation efforts will emerge or if the divisions will deepen further, potentially reshaping the party’s structure and political relevance in the months ahead.
