The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, exposing deep divisions within the party as rival factions exchange accusations over legitimacy, court orders, and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The dispute, which centres on conflicting interpretations of a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo, could significantly affect the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
A chieftain of the party and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, alleged that external forces were attempting to destabilise the ADC ahead of the next general election.
Okonkwo argued that the legal challenge against the party’s leadership was questionable, claiming that one of the key figures behind the suit had previously resigned from the party.
“It is very ridiculous for a man… to go to court to challenge the leadership of ADC,” he said.
He maintained that INEC’s recognition of the leadership led by former Senate President David Mark remained valid.
“Once INEC recognises you, you cannot use an interlocutory injunction to stop an action already executed,” he said.
Explaining his interpretation of the appellate court’s directive, Okonkwo stated that maintaining the status quo meant preserving the current leadership arrangement.
“Maintaining status quo means you should not do anything that will disadvantage either party. INEC has already recognised us… what the court said confirmed our leadership,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the directive referred to a period before INEC’s recognition of the Mark-led leadership.
“Status quo means there is a national leadership in place,” he added.
Okonkwo also criticised what he described as attempts to pressure INEC through repeated correspondence.
“If INEC does that, then know that APC influenced it… they are using these letters to mount pressure,” he said.
He urged all parties involved in the dispute to allow the courts to determine the matter.
“Allow the court to decide. All these letters and propaganda should not replace due process,” he added.
Rival Faction Insists Takeover Unlawful
However, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bashir Abdul-Mohammed, presented a contrasting account, describing the crisis as self-inflicted and rooted in what he termed an unlawful takeover of the party.
“We are not in a banana republic… we are all subject to the law,” Abdul-Mohammed said.
According to him, the party’s constitution clearly provides for succession when the national chairman resigns.
“When a national chairman resigns, the deputy national chairman takes over,” he said, insisting that Nafiu Bala remains the legitimate acting chairman of the party.
He described members of the rival faction as “usurpers temporarily sojourning and holding power.”
Abdul-Mohammed also rejected the interpretation of the appellate court ruling offered by the opposing faction.
“Status quo ante bellum simply means the state of affairs should return to how it was before the dispute… the national chairman is Nafiu Bala,” he said.
He further accused INEC of failing to comply with the court’s directive.
“INEC is… flagrantly and blatantly disobeying court orders,” he said, warning that the party might initiate contempt proceedings against the commission.
The ADC spokesman also dismissed as forged a purported resignation letter attributed to Bala.
“Let me dismiss it outright. This is forged. This is not his signature,” he said, adding that the issue is already before the court.
While rejecting allegations of external backing, Abdul-Mohammed insisted that the faction’s actions were aimed at upholding the rule of law.
He called on INEC to update its records and recognise Bala’s leadership.
“We urge INEC to do the needful as soon as possible,” he said.
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