Tension in ADC as members move to shut out David Mark, others

Barely months after former Senate President David Mark decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party has found itself in the spotlight of a fresh controversy.

A Federal High Court ruling has asked Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and a handful of others to appear before it and explain why they should not be stopped from parading themselves as national executive members of the party.

The development follows growing discontent within the ADC, where several leaders accuse Mark and his allies of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership structure through the back door.

David Mark, who led the Nigerian Senate for eight consecutive years under the PDP umbrella, triggered political tremors when he defected to the ADC earlier this year. His arrival swelled the party’s ranks, particularly in Benue South, and spurred defections from the PDP. But enthusiasm has quickly been tempered by leadership tussles that threaten to split the party.

The tension deepened after Hon. Nafiu Bala declared himself the new national chairman of the ADC, a move that many within the party described as unconstitutional. Critics argue that Bala’s self-declaration had no backing from a valid convention or due process, and accuse him of acting on behalf of powerful figures eager to control the ADC.

Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has been one of the most vocal critics of the unfolding crisis. He accused coalition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, of orchestrating “a fraudulent grab for control” of the ADC.

“The ADC is currently in a leadership vacuum. Nobody can just assume office as national chairman without a convention and due process,” Kachikwu said, alleging that forged signatures of state chairmen and even financial inducements were being used to legitimize the takeover.

Kachikwu further warned that “political sabotage” was at play, claiming elements of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition leaders were bent on destabilizing the ADC because of its growing relevance.

The controversy has already exposed sharp divisions among members. While some describe Mark’s defection as a source of hope and momentum, others view attempts to edge him and his allies out as part of a broader plot to weaken the party’s rising influence.

The crisis took another twist when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) listed Mark as ADC chairman on its website, only for the court to issue its restraining order less than 24 hours later.

In response, ADC leaders loyal to Nafiu Bala declared the judgment a vindication of their stance. Dr. Christopher Okechukwu, the party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, said: “This judgment reaffirms our position that the leadership of Hon. Nafiu Bala is legitimate. We are more committed than ever to strengthening the party, expanding membership, and ensuring that the ADC fulfills its promise of providing an alternative political voice to Nigerians.”

For the ADC, the challenge is twofold: consolidating its leadership structure and sustaining the momentum brought by Mark’s arrival. Party members stress that the focus must remain on political outreach, inclusive governance, and protecting the party’s identity from external interference.

“The ADC is not just about personalities,” said Hon. Joseph Agaba, a state executive member. “It’s about principles, a platform for Nigerians who are seeking change, and ensuring that the voice of every citizen is respected. We are determined to protect that vision, regardless of the interference or distractions.”