ADC Crisis Deepens as David Mark Faction Expels Nafiu Bala Over Anti-Party Activities

The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a fresh turn on Tuesday as a faction of the party led by David Mark announced the expulsion of several key members, including its factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, over alleged anti-party activities.

The decision was taken during the party’s national convention held in Abuja. The development signals a deepening division within the opposition party, which has struggled with leadership disputes in recent months.

Alongside Bala, the faction also expelled a number of prominent figures within the party. Those affected include Leke Abejide, a serving member of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Temitope, Obinna Norman, Kennedy Odiong, and Stella Chukwuma.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by Binos Yaroe, the senator representing Adamawa South. It was adopted by delegates at the convention through a voice vote, with overwhelming support from attendees.

Speaking at the event, the party’s organising secretary, Chinedu Idigo, accused the affected members of deliberately working against the unity of the party.

“They have sown seeds of discord within the party and sought to create factions, doubts, and confusion across the polity, the public, and regulatory authorities, thereby causing instability within the party,” he said.

“They were given time to retrace their actions but failed to do so.”

The internal crisis within the ADC has lingered for months. Trouble began around July 2025 when a coalition of opposition figures assumed control of the party’s leadership. This move triggered resistance from another bloc within the party.

Bala had consistently rejected the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership. He maintained that the process that brought in the former Senate President was flawed and did not follow due procedure.

The dispute soon escalated into a legal battle. On April 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew recognition of the Mark-led faction. The decision followed an interim ruling delivered by the Court of Appeal.

Despite that setback, Mark proceeded to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court. The apex court is expected to hear the appeal on April 22, a date that could prove decisive for the future leadership of the party.