Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria’s opposition politics witnessed a dramatic escalation on Tuesday as the faction of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate President David Mark announced the expulsion of Nafiu Bala, a rival factional chairman, alongside several other prominent members, in a move that underscores the party’s deepening internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision was taken during the party’s national convention held in Abuja, where delegates drawn from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory gathered to deliberate on the future of the party amid protracted leadership disputes. The convention ratified the leadership of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and approved key constitutional amendments, while also endorsing disciplinary actions against members accused of undermining party unity.
Nafiu Bala, who had been at the centre of a parallel leadership structure within the party, was expelled on grounds of alleged anti-party activities. According to party officials, the decision followed recommendations from the party’s disciplinary committee, which accused Bala and others of engaging in actions that created confusion, instability, and factional divisions within the organisation.
The expulsion was formalised through a motion moved by Senator Binos Yaroe, representing Adamawa South, and seconded by House of Representatives member Abdussamad Dasuki, after which it was adopted by delegates at the convention. The decision also affected several other party figures, including federal lawmaker Leke Abejide and other chieftains accused of similar conduct.
Party leaders at the convention argued that the affected individuals had been given opportunities to retrace their steps but failed to do so. In a report presented to delegates, the disciplinary committee stated that the expelled members had persistently engaged in activities that threatened the cohesion and stability of the party, thereby necessitating decisive action under the party’s constitution.
The development marks a significant turning point in a long-running leadership struggle that has plagued the ADC since 2025. The crisis initially stemmed from disagreements over succession following the tenure of former national chairman Ralph Nwosu, with Bala insisting he should assume leadership in an acting capacity, while a separate bloc later backed the emergence of David Mark as national chairman.
Since then, the party has been split into multiple factions, each laying claim to legitimacy and control of its structures. The dispute has led to a series of legal battles, including cases at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, further complicating the party’s internal dynamics and raising concerns about its preparedness for upcoming elections.
Tensions have also been heightened by the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission, which has taken actions affecting recognition of party leadership in line with ongoing court proceedings. This has added another layer of complexity to the crisis, as different factions continue to contest authority both within the party and in the legal arena.
Despite the controversy, the Mark-led faction proceeded with its convention, framing it as a decisive step toward consolidating the party’s structure and repositioning it as a viable opposition platform. The gathering drew several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors, and other influential stakeholders, signaling ongoing efforts to build a broad-based coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, David Mark emphasised the need for unity within the opposition, warning that internal divisions could weaken efforts to challenge the ruling party. He described the convention as the beginning of a renewed push toward national relevance, urging members to prioritise collective goals over personal ambitions.
Speakers at the event also stressed the importance of presenting a credible and widely acceptable presidential candidate, noting that electoral success would depend on the party’s ability to rally support across regional, ethnic, and religious lines. The call for unity reflects broader concerns within opposition circles about fragmentation and its impact on electoral competitiveness.
However, the expulsion of Bala and other key figures is likely to intensify the crisis rather than resolve it. Analysts note that the affected members may challenge the decision in court or continue to operate parallel structures, further complicating the party’s internal cohesion.
The situation is particularly significant given recent developments within the ADC, including the influx of high-profile politicians and ongoing discussions about forming a strong opposition coalition. The party has attracted attention as a potential platform for alliances ahead of the next general elections, but persistent internal conflicts threaten to undermine these ambitions.
Political observers warn that unless the leadership crisis is resolved through clear legal and institutional mechanisms, the ADC may struggle to present a united front to voters. The existence of multiple factions, each claiming legitimacy, could weaken the party’s organisational strength and diminish its electoral prospects.
For now, the Mark-led faction appears determined to assert control and move forward with its agenda, using the convention to reinforce its authority and send a message of decisiveness. Whether this approach will lead to consolidation or further fragmentation remains uncertain.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical, particularly as pending court cases and reactions from the expelled members shape the next phase of the dispute. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the outcome of the leadership struggle could have far-reaching implications not only for the ADC but also for the broader configuration of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
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