Atiku aide Paul Ibe accuses Tinubu government of backing an ADC faction, amid disputes over party leadership and INEC recognition
Media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in a post on X, accused the government of President Bola Tinubu of allegedly sponsoring a faction within the African Democratic Congress led by Nafiu Bala, amid ongoing leadership disputes within the opposition party.
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Ibe’s comments come against the backdrop of emerging internal divisions within the ADC and the reported derecognition of the leadership of former Senate President David Mark by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The situation has intensified political debate around the party’s structure and legitimacy.
In his statement, Ibe maintained that the ADC does not have competing factions, insisting that Mark remains the party’s National Chairman while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola serves as National Secretary.
He described the emergence of the Bala group as externally influenced, alleging that it was created to undermine democratic processes.
He further claimed that the ruling party and electoral authorities were involved in facilitating the factional development, an assertion that adds a layer of controversy to the ongoing dispute.
His remarks reflect growing political tensions between opposition figures and the current administration.
Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has provided context on recent interactions between political actors.
He explained that a delegation linked to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party visited ADC leaders following the party’s “Occupy INEC” protest in Abuja.
Makinde stated that the visit was intended as a show of solidarity with the ADC amid recent developments in the political landscape, including legal actions and public demonstrations.
He added that the meeting between the PDP delegation and ADC leaders, held at the residence of David Mark, extended late into the night and reflected ongoing engagement among opposition stakeholders.
Also read: Atiku Abubakar Leads ADC Strategy Meeting in Adamawa
The unfolding dynamics underscore a period of heightened political activity and negotiation among parties, as leadership disputes, alliances, and institutional positions continue to shape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of future electoral cycles.
