ADC Crisis Deepens as the Bala faction warns top opposition figures against hijacking the party ahead of 2027 amid rising internal tensions.
The internal rupture within the African Democratic Congress has widened dramatically as the faction loyal to Nafiu Bala issued a stern warning to leading opposition figures accused of plotting to take over the party.
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At a tense press briefing in Abuja, officials declared that ADC Crisis Deepens and accused political heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Nasir El Rufai of attempting an illegal infiltration.
The ADC Board of Trustees passed a vote of confidence in Bala, while denouncing the David Mark led coalition as an unauthorised structure propped up by what they described as a rival leadership.
Speaking through BoT Secretary Chief Rufus Ekenmi, represented by Abdulmumeeni Ibraheem, the faction condemned what it called a deliberate attempt to infest the party with an attitude of disobedience.
Ekenmi alleged that the coalition included figures whose political impatience made them unfit to dictate the direction of the ADC.
He insisted that efforts to hijack the party ahead of the 2027 elections were unacceptable and undermined its internal processes.
The faction directed Bala to activate a disciplinary committee to punish any member who interacts with the listed leaders, arguing the party would not tolerate lawlessness.
Reacting to his endorsement, Bala pledged fairness and compliance with the ADC constitution.
He maintained that only fully registered members were entitled to access official premises, accusing the coalition of running a parallel headquarters in violation of party rules, the Electoral Act and the constitution.
Bala further criticised the electoral commission for recognising David Mark as chairman despite his alleged lack of membership.
He noted that the matter remained before the Federal High Court, which is expected to determine the legitimacy of INEC’s decision.
When contacted, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed the Bala faction’s claims, insisting the party did not acknowledge the existence of any rival leadership.
He said engaging such disputes publicly would only give unnecessary visibility to internal noise.
The latest twist followed the opening of a new secretariat by the Mark faction, a building formerly used as Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign office.
Abdullahi downplayed the symbolism, saying Atiku’s tenancy simply lapsed and that the ADC had now taken the space without any political undertone.
He reiterated that the coalition structure remained intact as the party prepared for its congresses in February.
He also confirmed that Peter Obi and Nasir El Rufai were expected to return in full after the Anambra governorship election.
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The rift has been simmering since August, when Bala declared himself National Chairman, triggering a leadership battle that has left the ADC deeply divided ahead of a crucial election cycle.
