The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been embroiled in internal turmoil, with rival factions vying for control of the party’s leadership. On Thursday, members of the David Mark-led faction, including former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The demonstration was led by Nafiu Bala, who heads a separate faction of the party.
The protest centered on allegations that prominent opposition figures—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and former Senate President David Mark—were attempting to hijack the ADC. Bala and his supporters accused these leaders of undermining the party’s autonomy and called for their exclusion from its affairs. House of Representatives member Leke Abejide also joined the protest, which saw participants carrying placards with various inscriptions.
This latest development follows a similar protest by the Mark-led faction at the INEC office in Abuja on Wednesday. The earlier demonstration was aimed at contesting the commission’s de-recognition of their leadership, highlighting the deepening rift within the party.
The ADC’s internal divisions come at a critical time for Nigeria’s opposition landscape, as parties prepare for future electoral contests. The dispute over leadership not only threatens the party’s cohesion but also raises questions about its ability to present a united front in upcoming political battles.
INEC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but the commission’s role in resolving such disputes will be crucial in determining the party’s future trajectory. Observers note that the ongoing factionalism could weaken the ADC’s position in the broader opposition coalition, potentially impacting its influence in national politics.
As the situation unfolds, the ADC’s leadership crisis underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition parties in maintaining unity and relevance in a competitive political environment.
