Three Camps, One Party: ADC Leadership War Intensifies Amid Court Orders and 2027 Stakes

A deepening leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fractured the party into three competing blocs, each laying claim to its leadership in a fierce contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The factions—aligned with David Mark, Nafiu Gombe, and Dumebi Kachikwu (with Kingsley Temitope Ogga)—have traded accusations of constitutional violations, impunity, and attempts to seize control of party structures.

The Mark-led group has accused the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of influencing rival factions to aid President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“How can somebody who participated in the process that produced Senator Mark now deny it? Nafiu Gombe was present at all the meetings. It is obvious some of them are working for the APC,” a member of the camp alleged.

Gombe, however, rejected claims that he resigned, maintaining that he remains acting chairman after the exit of former national chairman Ralph Okey Nwosu.

The presidency and APC have pushed back, blaming the crisis on internal failures within the ADC. “After selling the ADC, the sellers failed to carry all top stakeholders along. Now they are blaming the presidency,” a source said.

Tensions escalated following an April 14, 2026 order by a Federal High Court in Abuja directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of leadership disputes. Despite the order, the Mark faction proceeded with a National Convention the same day, triggering fresh controversy.

Kachikwu condemned the move as “a show of political gangsterism,” adding, “They have one agenda, if we can’t have it, no one else can.” He warned that such actions could destabilise both the party and the wider political environment.

The Mark camp defended its actions, insisting they complied with the party’s constitution. It pointed to the establishment of its interim leadership in July 2025 and its ratification by the National Executive Committee, arguing that NEC has the authority to oversee party affairs and approve necessary waivers.

On the other hand, the Gombe faction described the process as null and void, arguing that eligibility requirements—such as the two-year membership rule—were not met and could not be waived without a properly convened convention.

Gombe’s loyalists insist he lawfully assumed leadership and are relying on court rulings, including orders to maintain the status quo, to support their position.

Adding to the complexity, the Kachikwu-led bloc has rejected both camps, claiming neither followed constitutional procedures. Backed by several state chairmen, the group argues that no valid NEC approved the decisions taken by the other factions.

Describing itself as a reform platform, the bloc says it is committed to restoring internal democracy and ensuring credible participation in the 2027 elections.

With three factions operating independently and citing different interpretations of the party’s constitution, the ADC now faces an uncertain future. Analysts warn that the prolonged crisis could undermine its role as an opposition force.

As court cases continue and tensions rise, attention has shifted to the Supreme Court, which is expected to address the dispute on Wednesday.

Africans Angle News