The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, as internal disputes and legal battles have disrupted planned state congresses scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The party is currently divided into three major factions, reportedly led by former Senate President David Mark, Nafiu Gombe, and another bloc made up of some state chairmen. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently withdrew recognition from the Mark-led National Working Committee, further deepening the crisis.
While some states have suspended their congresses, others insist on going ahead despite the uncertainty. In Abuja, a faction led by Nafiu Gombe staged a protest at INEC headquarters, demanding official recognition of their leadership and accusing rivals of attempting to hijack the party. They urged INEC to uphold due process and enforce the party’s constitutional guidelines.
INEC, in response, assured protesters that their concerns would be considered.
In Adamawa, a High Court halted the party’s planned congresses following a legal dispute, while Anambra, Ondo, Zamfara, and Niger states all announced suspensions, citing the need to respect judicial processes and INEC directives. Kaduna also witnessed conflicting factional positions, with one group postponing congresses and another rejecting the decision.
However, some states such as Plateau and Jigawa confirmed they would proceed with their congresses, insisting that INEC had not issued any directive stopping them. In Edo, while ward and local government congresses were held, the state leadership rejected the continuation of the process.
In Osun and Abia, internal disputes further complicated the situation, with rival factions rejecting each other’s authority. Meanwhile, in Kogi, party officials dismissed reports of suspension and insisted that only the national leadership has the power to halt congresses.
The situation has led to widespread confusion across the party, with different state chapters taking opposing positions. Some cite INEC’s stance and court orders as justification for suspension, while others argue that internal party decisions should prevail.
At the national level, the David Mark-led faction has approached the Federal High Court, seeking an order to restore its leadership recognition and restrain INEC from interfering in the party’s internal structure. The case highlights the ongoing struggle over control of the party’s national leadership.
The crisis continues to raise concerns about the stability of the ADC ahead of future elections, as competing factions remain locked in legal and political battles.
