KEY POINTS

• The David Mark-led ADC faction expelled Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, and others over alleged anti-party activities.
• The decision was ratified at the party’s Abuja convention through a delegate vote.
• The crisis deepens as INEC derecognises the faction and the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the leadership dispute.

The faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, led by David Mark has expelled Nafiu Bala, citing alleged anti-party activities amid ongoing internal strife.

Alongside Bala, several prominent members were also shown the door, including Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives, as well as Kingsley Temitope, Obinna Norman, Kennedy Odiong, and Stella Chukwuma.

The decision was reached during the party’s national convention in Abuja, where Binos Yaroe, senator representing Adamawa South, moved a motion for their expulsion. Delegates overwhelmingly endorsed the move through a voice vote.

Speaking at the event, the party’s organising secretary, Chinedu Idigo, accused the expelled members of destabilising the party by fostering division and confusion within its ranks and among the public.

Internal Crisis and Legal Battles Intensify

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since mid-2025, when a coalition of opposition figures assumed control of the party structure. Bala has consistently challenged the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership, claiming it was unlawfully constituted.

Tensions escalated further after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognised the Mark-led faction on April 1, following an interim ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The dispute is now headed for a decisive legal showdown, with the Supreme Court set to hear an appeal filed by Mark on April 22, in response to a suit initiated by Bala challenging his leadership.