ADC leadership crisis deepens as Nafiu Bala faction suspends 15 members and makes key appointments amid rival faction disputes
The Nafiu Bala faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended 15 prominent party members, including former National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party activities, intensifying a leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Also read: ADC Faction Suspends Ex-Chairman, 14 Others
The six-month suspension also affects Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, Dr Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Ms Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba and Razak Eyiwuawi.
The decision was taken during the National Working Committee’s (NWC) regular meeting and confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja.
Speaking on the decision, Bala accused the suspended members of undermining party cohesion and stability.
“The NWC has observed that some party members have engaged in anti-party activities with coalition members, causing disaffection among party faithful and disrupting the efficient conduct of party business,” he said.
The factional leadership also disowned ongoing congresses reportedly being organised by other members across various states.
“Certain unauthorised individuals are organising special ward, local government, and state congresses, claiming to act on behalf of the party. The NWC declares these congresses null, void, and of no effect whatsoever,” Bala stated.
In addition to the suspensions, the NWC announced a series of new appointments aimed at strengthening party administration. Notably, Kogi State federal lawmaker Leke Abejide was named Chairman, Board of Patrons.
Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation, Bello Shehu as Director of Finance, and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary.
“All appointees are to assume duties immediately and are expected to collect their appointment letters and further instructions at the party’s national headquarters,” the statement added.
The NWC also constituted a four-member committee to conduct the Osun State governorship primary election, with Dr Rufus Ikanmi appointed as chairman and Henry Moses as secretary, alongside members Muhammad Ibrahim and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh Katagum.
The Bala faction’s appointments come amid ongoing disputes with the rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark, which recently ratified the expulsion of Leke Abejide, citing repeated acts of indiscipline.
The Mark-led faction had formally requested that Abejide’s seat in the House of Representatives be declared vacant.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, representing the Mark-led faction, reaffirmed the party’s zero-tolerance policy on internal misconduct. Efforts to reach him for comment on the latest suspensions were unsuccessful at the time of filing.
Also read: ADC Warns Supreme Court Ruling Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy
The latest developments highlight the deepening ADC leadership crisis as conflicting decisions by rival factions continue to raise questions over authority and legitimacy within the party ahead of forthcoming elections.
