The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened as party chieftain Nafiu Bala led a defiant protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, demanding to be recognised as the party’s authentic national chairman.
Bala, who is currently locked in a fierce leadership battle with the faction led by David Mark, took his fight directly to the electoral umpire just a day after the rival camp staged a similar protest.
At the protest ground, Bala insisted that his claim to the ADC leadership is backed by a Court of Appeal ruling, accusing the Mark-led group of attempting to hijack the party through unlawful means.
The crisis took a worse turn earlier this month when INEC withdrew recognition of the ADC leadership on April 1, citing a court directive, and declared it would not monitor any party congresses or conventions until the matter is resolved by a competent court.
Despite this, the Mark faction, boasting political heavyweights like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, has continued to accuse INEC of bias and alleged that the ruling party is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party system.
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency have dismissed the claims, insisting the ADC’s troubles are self-inflicted.
Speaking during the protest, Bala launched a blistering attack on the Mark camp, accusing them of orchestrating irregular processes, including the alleged use of forged signatures and illegal transfer of party leadership.
“The incident involving the unauthorised transfer of power to David Mark and his associates raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of governance and the rule of law,” he said.
“The intruders, by rudely forging the signatures of genuine members and leaders of the ADC, not only undermined the democratic process but also violated the trust vested in these representatives by their constituents.
“Such actions reflect a troubling trend in which illegitimate means are employed to achieve political ends, thereby eroding public confidence in political institutions.
“The implications of this deceit extend beyond the immediate context, as they can foster a culture of impunity and disillusionment among the electorate.”
Bala further urged relevant authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into the allegations and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Tracing the roots of the crisis, he said the leadership tussle intensified following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu as national chairman.
Maintaining his stance, Bala called on INEC to immediately update its records to reflect him as the legitimate leader of the party, insisting that such action would align with the court ruling and restore order within the embattled ADC.
