JUST IN: ADC Faction Fixes National Convention, Appoints Interim Leaders
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to convene a national convention and appoint interim leaders to oversee the party’s affairs.
The group said the move is aimed at restoring order and providing direction amid the lingering leadership crisis within the party.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the faction’s spokesperson, Norman Obinna, following what he described as an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to him, the meeting had in attendance several state chairmen and key stakeholders concerned about the state of the party.
Obinna explained that the gathering was called to address internal disputes that have continued to weaken the party’s structure. He said efforts had earlier been made to resolve the crisis through dialogue, with an agreement reached to conduct a national convention that would usher in a new leadership.
However, he noted that the agreement has not been implemented for nearly two years. This, he said, has left the party without a functional leadership structure and has created uncertainty among members across the country.
The faction also raised concerns about the actions of the former leadership under Ralph Nwosu. Obinna alleged that there were attempts to hand over the party’s control to individuals who are not registered members. He added that there were also moves to remove some state chairmen who refused to align with that leadership.
He disclosed that the group had already taken legal steps to challenge those actions, even before the recent position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the party’s leadership issues.
According to him, since the party has not had a National Working Committee since August 2022, the NEC remains the highest decision-making body for now. He said the committee has the authority to take necessary steps to stabilise the party.
As part of the resolutions reached at the meeting, the faction distanced the ADC from a political coalition allegedly linked to figures such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and Bolaji Abdullahi. The group insisted that any actions taken by that coalition in the name of the party are not valid.
The faction also rejected claims by Nafiu Bala Gombe regarding any leadership position within the party. Obinna stated clearly that Gombe has never held the office of deputy national chairman, dismissing the claims as false.
He stressed that the ADC remains a party for all Nigerians and not for a select group of individuals. He accused the opposing camp of attempting to take over the party at the expense of long-standing members who have built it over the years.
The group reaffirmed that Dumebi Kachikwu remains a recognised member of the party and continues to play a role in its affairs.
In addition, the faction called on diplomatic missions operating in Nigeria to avoid engaging with the rival coalition, warning that such engagements do not reflect the true position of the party.
To move forward, the group announced the appointment of interim leaders who will handle the day-to-day running of the party pending the conduct of the proposed national convention. It also urged INEC to recognise the interim arrangement as a legitimate step toward restoring order within the party.
The faction expressed hope that the planned convention will finally bring an end to the crisis and provide a fresh start for the ADC ahead of future political activities.
