A growing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has exposed deep divisions, with rival factions exchanging accusations over legitimacy, court rulings, and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns ahead of the 2027 general election.
The dispute centres on differing interpretations of a Court of Appeal directive on maintaining the status quo, alongside competing claims to the party’s national leadership.
Kenneth Okonkwo, a party chieftain and lawyer, alleged that there is a deliberate effort to weaken the ADC, warning that external forces may be working to undermine the party before 2027.
“It is very ridiculous for a man… to go to court to challenge the leadership of ADC,” Okonkwo said, noting that one of those behind the legal challenge had previously resigned from the party.
He insisted that INEC’s recognition of the leadership under former Senate President David Mark remains valid, adding that “once INEC recognises you, you cannot use an interlocutory injunction to stop an action already executed.”
On the appellate court directive, Okonkwo said: “Maintaining status quo means you should not do anything that will disadvantage either party. INEC has already recognised us… what the court said confirmed our leadership.”
He rejected claims that the directive referred to a period before INEC’s recognition, stressing that “status quo means there is a national leadership in place.”
Okonkwo also criticised the legal approach of the opposing faction, stating that “originating summons is used when facts are not in dispute,” and argued that allegations such as coercion should be pursued through substantive suits.
He warned against attempts to pressure INEC through repeated correspondence, saying: “If INEC does that, then know that APC influenced it… they are using these letters to mount pressure.”
Calling for caution, he added: “Allow the court to decide. All these letters and propaganda should not replace due process.”
However, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bashir Abdul-Mohammed, offered a contrasting view, describing the crisis as self-inflicted and rooted in what he termed an unlawful takeover.
“We are not in a banana republic… we are all subject to the law,” Abdul-Mohammed said, maintaining that the party’s constitution clearly outlines succession procedures.
Referring to the ADC constitution, he argued that “when a national chairman resigns, the deputy national chairman takes over,” insisting that Nafiu Bala remains the legitimate acting chairman.
He described the rival faction as “usurpers temporarily sojourning and holding power,” adding that their emergence is being contested in court.
On the court ruling, Abdul-Mohammed said: “Status quo ante bellum simply means the state of affairs should return to how it was before the dispute… the national chairman is Nafiu Bala.”
He accused INEC of failing to comply with court orders, stating that “INEC is… flagrantly and blatantly disobeying court orders,” and warned that the party may initiate contempt proceedings.
The spokesman also dismissed a purported resignation letter attributed to Bala as false, saying, “Let me dismiss it outright. This is forged. This is not his signature,” and noted that the issue is already before the court.
While denying any external influence, Abdul-Mohammed said the faction’s actions are driven by a commitment to the rule of law, urging INEC to “do the needful as soon as possible” by correcting its records and recognising Bala’s leadership.