The leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress deepened on Thursday as internal disputes and legal challenges forced the suspension of state congresses scheduled for April 11, 2026.
The turmoil has split the party into factions aligned with former Senate President David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and a bloc of state chairmen. The rift recently led the Independent National Electoral Commission to derecognise the Mark-led National Working Committee.
On Thursday, Gombe, accompanied by Kogi lawmaker Leke Abejide and supporters, protested at INEC headquarters in Abuja, accusing the Mark faction of attempting to hijack the party. He urged the commission to follow due process and recognise his leadership.
Responding, INEC National Commissioner Abdullahi Abdu Zuru said the commission would review the protest letter and provide feedback.
The protest came a day after a rival demonstration by the Mark-led faction under the #OccupyINEC banner, highlighting deepening divisions within the party.
Meanwhile, the crisis has stalled congresses in several states. In Adamawa, a High Court in Yola halted the exercise following a suit filed by state chairman Shehu Yohanna, with the case adjourned to April 15. The party also suspended congresses in Anambra, Ondo and Niger states, citing court orders and directives to maintain the status quo.
State officials in Zamfara said preparations for the congresses had not begun, raising further uncertainty.
The stalled exercises underscore widening cracks within the ADC and raise concerns about the party’s stability ahead of future electoral contests.
