LThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently facing a deepening crisis, with the emergence of a new faction asserting itself as the official national executive committee of the party.
Initially seen as a unifying platform for opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ADC is now marred by a serious leadership rift that has resulted in three competing factions.
The latest faction is led by Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s candidate for the 2023 presidential elections, who has announced plans to hold a national convention and establish an interim leadership to guide the party’s operations. During a recent press conference, spokesperson Norman Obinna declared their refusal to acknowledge the authority of the coalition led by Senator David Mark and distanced themselves from the faction led by Nafiu Bala.
In this report, PUNCH Online delves into the ongoing issues within the ADC and sheds light on its three rival factions.
Background of the Crisis
Ralph Nwosu stepped down from his role as ADC leader in July 2025 after nearly 20 years, facilitating an interim leadership in collaboration with a coalition of notable opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This move aimed to reposition the ADC as a significant contender in opposition politics.
However, it sparked immediate disputes. Nafiu Bala Gombe, the former Deputy National Chairman, claimed his constitutional right to succeed Nwosu. Kachikwu and his supporters countered that Nwosu had no authority to transfer leadership, labeling the coalition’s actions as a “hostile takeover.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially recognized the Mark-led faction but later revoked that recognition for both the Mark and Gombe groups due to court orders to maintain the previous status pending legal resolution.
As a result of this turmoil, the ADC currently lacks a widely acknowledged national leadership, complicating plans for upcoming congresses at various levels.
The Three Factions and Their Leaders
- David Mark-led Faction (Coalition/Interim Caretaker Group)
Leader: Senator David Mark, former President of the Senate.
Prominent figures in this faction include three 2023 presidential candidates—Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP)—alongside key officials like former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi. This faction arose from Nwosu’s July 2025 handover and is positioned as the legitimate leadership focused on unifying the party for the 2027 elections. Although initially recognized by INEC, that recognition has since been withdrawn. Supporters maintain their transition adhered to party procedures to incorporate new members. Current Stance: They claim to still hold control despite INEC’s recent withdrawal of their recognition. - Nafiu Bala Gombe-led Faction
Leader: Nafiu Bala Gombe, former Deputy National Chairman.
Gombe, backed by various remaining members of the old National Working Committee and local loyalists, asserts he hasn’t properly resigned and is the rightful successor to Nwosu according to party rules. This matter is now awaiting a court ruling. - Dumebi Kachikwu-led Faction
Leader: Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s candidate in the 2023 presidential race.
This faction is supported by several state chairpersons and executives who claim continuity with the party’s pre-2025 structure. They firmly reject both the Mark coalition and Gombe’s leadership claims, denying that Gombe ever served as deputy national chairman. Recently, they reported plans to hold a national convention and create an interim leadership to manage ADC affairs. Kachikwu is described as a dedicated member of the party, with objections to his previous expulsion framed as an extreme and desperate measure. Obinna stressed that the ADC is a party for all Nigerians, not just former politicians or elites, and called for INEC to provide the necessary recognition and support to prevent the party’s total collapse.
Current Situation
INEC has declared it will not recognize any of the factions, including those led by Mark and Gombe, or oversee their meetings and events until the Federal High Court resolves the ongoing disputes. This leaves the ADC in a precarious position.