African Democratic Congress Faces Deepening Leadership Crisis with Three Rival Factions
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with an escalating leadership crisis as a third faction emerged on Tuesday, claiming to be the party’s legitimate national executive committee.
Once seen as a potential platform for a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, ADC is now fractured into three competing groups, each asserting authority over the party. The latest faction is led by the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, which plans to convene a national convention and establish an interim leadership to oversee party affairs. Norman Obinna, the faction’s spokesperson, rejected the authority of both the David Mark-led coalition and the Nafiu Bala Gombe faction.
Background of the Crisis
The dispute traces back to July 2025 when long-serving ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned and handed over an interim leadership to a coalition of opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This was intended to reposition ADC as a major opposition force.
However, former Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe contested the handover, claiming he was the rightful successor under party rules. Kachikwu and his allies also denounced the transition as a “hostile takeover.” INEC initially recognised the Mark-led group but later withdrew recognition from both Mark and Gombe factions, citing ongoing court proceedings.
The stalemate has left ADC without a widely recognised leadership, complicating preparations for ward, local government, state, and national congresses.
The Three Factions
David Mark-led Faction
Leader: Senator David Mark, former Senate President
Key Figures: Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola (National Secretary), Bolaji Abdullahi (Publicity Secretary)
Overview: Emerged from Nwosu’s July 2025 handover. Positions itself as the legitimate leadership to unify the party for 2027. Initially recognised by INEC, recognition was later withdrawn.
Nafiu Bala Gombe-led Faction
Leader: Nafiu Bala Gombe, former Deputy National Chairman
Overview: Supported by some members of the old National Working Committee. Insists he never resigned and is constitutionally the rightful acting National Chairman. The matter is currently in court.
Dumebi Kachikwu-led Faction
Leader: Dumebi Kachikwu, 2023 presidential candidate
Key Figures: Supported by state chairmen and executives claiming continuity with the pre-2025 structure
Overview: Rejects both Mark and Gombe factions, denouncing Gombe’s leadership claim. Announced plans for a national convention and interim leadership, asserting ADC belongs to all Nigerians and is not controlled by elites.
Current Status
INEC has confirmed that it will not recognise any faction, including Mark, Gombe, or Kachikwu, and will not monitor their activities until the Federal High Court resolves the disputes. This decision leaves the party in limbo, with internal processes and pre-election preparations effectively on hold.
The deepening crisis threatens to weaken ADC’s political momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, as prolonged uncertainty undermines internal cohesion and risks complicating candidate nominations.
