The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened further with the emergence of a third faction, intensifying the battle for control of the party.
The new group, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday and led by Don Norman Obinna, declared that it does not recognise either the camp aligned with David Mark or the faction loyal to Nafiu Bala.
Addressing journalists, Obinna asserted that his group represents the legitimate National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, claiming its members are duly elected officials with constitutional backing.
The faction also revisited the controversy surrounding former national chairman Ralph Nwosu, arguing that his tenure ended in August 2022. Obinna accused Nwosu of overstaying in office and dragging the party into multiple legal disputes.
He further described Nwosu’s alleged handover of party structures to the David Mark-led coalition as unlawful, insisting that such actions hold no legitimacy within the ADC.
The group dismissed claims by Nafiu Bala’s camp, stating that Bala was never the party’s National Vice Chairman and therefore lacks the authority to speak on behalf of the party.
In addition, the faction maintained that former presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu remains a recognised member of the party despite the ongoing leadership tussle.
As part of its moves to assert control, the Obinna-led faction announced the appointment of interim officials to manage party affairs pending a national convention aimed at restoring order.
The latest development adds to the already complex leadership struggle within the ADC, which has been marked by multiple court cases and competing claims to authority.
The crisis has also drawn reactions from political figures, including former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who recently cautioned Nafiu Bala against actions that could further destabilise the party and the broader political environment.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the ongoing dispute, withdrawing recognition of the rival factions and suspending monitoring of party activities until the courts resolve the matter.
With no clear resolution in sight, the ADC’s internal crisis continues to raise concerns about its stability and readiness ahead of future political contests.