The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a new twist, with yet another faction emerging and declaring itself independent from the existing rival groups, further deepening the party’s internal struggle.
According to reports, the new faction, led by Don Norman Obinna, claims to represent the legitimate National Executive Committee of the party. The group says it is stepping in to oversee party affairs ahead of the next national convention.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, members of the faction argued that the tenure of former party chairman, Ralph Nwosu, ended in August 2022. They added that his continued stay in office afterwards led to several legal disputes.
The group also addressed internal leadership claims, stating that Nafiu Bala never held the position of National Vice Chairman. It further clarified that Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s former presidential candidate, remains a member of the ADC.
As part of its move, the faction announced the appointment of interim leaders to manage the party’s activities until a national convention is held.
This latest development adds to the long-running leadership crisis that has plagued the ADC since the controversial transition involving Nwosu and the emergence of multiple groups laying claim to control of the party.
The situation has already resulted in several court cases, with each faction insisting on its legitimacy. In response, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn recognition of all the feuding groups and removed key figures from its official records, pending a final legal resolution.
INEC also maintained that it will not monitor or recognise any activities carried out by any faction until the courts settle the dispute, in line with a directive from the Court of Appeal to maintain the status quo.
