The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has worsened as the Nafiu Bala faction suspended 15 prominent members of the party, including former National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, accusing them of engaging in anti-party activities.
The six-month suspension was announced on Thursday, December 18, in a statement issued after the faction’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja.
Those affected include Ralph Nwosu, Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Ms. Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr. Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba, and Razak Eyiwuawi.
“The NWC has observed that some party members have engaged in anti-party activities with coalition members, causing disaffection among party members and disrupting the peaceful coexistence of party faithful and efficient conduct of party business,” Bala said.
“As a result, the NWC has collectively approved the suspension of the following members for six (6) months pursuant to Article 15(a) of the party constitution.”
The Bala-led leadership also rejected what it called “unauthorised congresses” being conducted by some members across the states.
“The NWC has noted that certain unauthorised individuals are organising special Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses, claiming to act on behalf of the party.
“The NWC declares these congresses null, void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement read.
It directed members and the public to ignore any outcomes from such congresses.
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The NWC also announced several new appointments, which it said were aimed at strengthening party administration.
Among them, Kogi federal lawmaker Leke Abejide was named Chairman of the Board of Patrons, “by virtue of his status as a ranking elected official of the party.”
Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman, Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation, Bello Shehu as Director of Finance, and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary.
“All appointees are to assume duties immediately and are expected to collect their appointment letters and further instructions at the party’s National Headquarters,” the statement added.
The NWC also formed a four-member committee to conduct the Osun State governorship primary election, with Dr. Rufus Ikanmi as Chairman, Henry Moses as Secretary, and Muhammad Ibrahim and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh Katagum as members.
While reaffirming its commitment to party order, the faction emphasised that all communications must come through official channels.
“All appointments take immediate effect, and the appointees are expected to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and professionalism,” it said.
However, Abejide’s appointment has further intensified the ADC’s internal conflict. Only two weeks earlier, a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark had ratified Abejide’s expulsion from the party over alleged indiscipline following a recommendation by the Kogi State chapter.
The Mark-led leadership had also requested that Abejide’s House of Representatives seat be declared vacant.
The ADC’s continuing factional rift highlights the deep division within the opposition party as two rival leaderships, one led by Bala and the other by Mark, continue to issue contradictory directives ahead of the next election cycle.