A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Board of Trustees has declared the coalition led by former Senate President David Mark as an illegal structure, vowing to resist what it described as an attempted takeover of the party.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the factional BoT Secretary, Rufus Ekenmi, accused the coalition of infiltrating the ADC and undermining party unity.
“Some individuals illegally sneaked into the party in the name of a coalition, infesting the ADC with the political spirit of insubordination,” Ekenmi stated, emphasizing that the faction loyal to National Chairman Nafiu Bala would not recognize or cooperate with the coalition group.
The BoT faction has instructed Bala to activate the party’s disciplinary mechanisms against members found engaging with prominent political figures associated with the coalition. The list of personalities flagged includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and Liyel Imoke.
Also mentioned were former ministers Abubakar Malami and Babachir Lawal, as well as former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha. According to Ekenmi, any interaction with these figures amounts to aligning with a parallel leadership structure that threatens party cohesion.
Responding to his endorsement by the factional BoT, Bala pledged to defend the ADC constitution and provide fair leadership. He accused coalition members of constitutional violations by operating from what he termed a parallel secretariat.
“Our party constitution unambiguously stipulates that only registered members in good standing are entitled to party privileges, including access to official premises,” Bala said, warning that any attempt to establish a secondary power center within the party would be firmly resisted.
The development deepens the leadership crisis within the ADC, as competing factions battle for control of the party’s structure and direction ahead of future elections.
