A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has approached the court seeking an order that would restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the leadership of David Mark. Instead, the faction wants the court to acknowledge the leadership structure headed by Nafiu Bala, the acting National Chairman of the faction. According to Abimiku Monday, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to Bala, the matter is scheduled for hearing on 30 September. Monday made this known during an interview on Arise Television, emphasizing the need for judicial intervention in the dispute.
Monday explained that the faction wants the court to prevent INEC from acknowledging the Mark‑led leadership and to validate the Bala‑led structure. When asked whether he accepts INEC’s recognition of the Mark‑led leadership, Monday said he could not confirm it 100 percent, citing reservations about the current crisis. He attributed the turmoil to an influx of politicians from other parties who attempted to take over the ADC’s structure without following due process.
In Nigeria, party membership must follow established procedures that begin at the ward level, rather than allowing newcomers to join from the top. The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since July, when a group of politicians from another party tried to hijack its structure. The dispute has splintered the party, with different factions each claiming legitimacy.
The court’s decision on 30 September is expected to clarify which leadership the ADC will recognize and could potentially resolve the ongoing power struggle. If the court rules in favor of the Bala‑led faction, the party’s structure may be realigned, affecting its prospects in future elections. Conversely, recognition of the Mark‑led leadership could deepen divisions within the party.
The internal crisis has already raised concerns about the ADC’s ability to present a united front in upcoming elections, and political observers and stakeholders will be closely watching the court’s ruling.
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