A leadership crisis has erupted within Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC), with a faction of the party rejecting the legitimacy of former Senate President David Mark and an interim committee he leads. The dispute threatens to undermine opposition efforts to unite ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Aminu Alhassan, spokesperson for the ADC faction loyal to Nafiu Bala, declared on Friday that Mark is not a registered party member and accused his group of violating the ADC’s constitution. The criticism follows an announcement in July by Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founder, who stepped down as national chairman and endorsed a new National Working Committee (NWC) headed by Mark. This move came after multiple opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, adopted the ADC as a coalition platform for the upcoming elections.
The coalition, which also includes ex-PDP chairman Uche Secondus, former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai, and ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, has sought official recognition from Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC, for Mark’s leadership. However, Alhassan emphasized that the ADC’s constitution bars non-members from holding office. “Only bonafide members can aspire to leadership positions,” he stated, calling the formation of the new NWC a “clear violation” of party rules.
The rift highlights tensions within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as it attempts to consolidate power against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While the coalition aims to present a unified front, the ADC’s internal rules require individuals to meet membership criteria—including registration deadlines and participation in prior party activities—before seeking leadership roles. Alhassan accused Mark’s faction of ignoring these requirements, calling their actions a “blatant disregard for democratic principles.”
The standoff leaves INEC in a delicate position as it weighs whether to recognize the Mark-led committee. Legal experts suggest the commission could defer to court rulings if the factions pursue litigation. The ADC, founded in 2006, has struggled to gain a significant electoral foothold in recent years, making its adoption as a coalition vehicle a high-stakes gamble for opposition leaders.
As the 2027 polls approach, the dispute underscores broader challenges in Nigeria’s political landscape, where party infighting and constitutional ambiguities often complicate alliances. The outcome could determine whether the opposition capitalizes on widespread voter discontent or fractures further under competing ambitions.
