The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated with the emergence of a third faction aligned with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu. The new group has openly supported the electoral body’s decision to withdraw recognition from the leadership led by David Mark, citing compliance with a Court of Appeal ruling.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the faction rejected both the Mark-led executive and the camp loyal to Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisting neither leadership emerged through a legitimate or constitutional process. The group also accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of attempting to hand over the party structure to outsiders.
The faction appointed Kingsley Temitope as interim national chairman and stated that its decisions were taken during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja. According to its spokesperson, Obinna Don Norman, the NEC remains the only lawful authority to engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He maintained that both the Mark and Gombe factions have lost legitimacy.
Describing its actions as a “rescue mission,” the group said it aims to safeguard the ADC’s participation in future elections. It also denied allegations of external sponsorship, particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the Mark-led camp dismissed the development as opportunistic. Its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that only a small number of state chairmen were involved and insisted that the courts would ultimately determine the party’s leadership. Similarly, deputy publicity secretary Queen Okiyi accused members of the new faction of acting out of personal interest and indiscipline.
Meanwhile, the Lagos chapter of the APC stated that democracy would not collapse if opposition parties, including the ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fail to meet electoral requirements ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adding to the debate, Gani Adams warned that weakening opposition parties could threaten Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that a lack of viable opposition risks pushing the country toward authoritarianism.
