By Our Correspondent
The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a dramatic and unpredictable turn, with the sudden emergence of a third faction that has outrightly rejected the leadership claims of both David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe. The development has thrown the party into deeper turmoil, signaling what many now describe as a full-blown internal collapse.
For weeks, tensions had been building between the rival camps of David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, each insisting on their legitimacy as the rightful leadership of the party. Both factions have leaned on legal interpretations and internal party structures to defend their positions, creating a prolonged standoff that has already weakened cohesion within the ADC.
However, the entry of a third bloc has significantly escalated the conflict. This new faction has dismissed both camps as products of flawed and questionable processes, arguing that neither represents the true will of the party. The group is reportedly advocating for either a return to the party’s foundational leadership structure or the establishment of an entirely new order to restore credibility.
Adding to the confusion is the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has yet to give clear and consistent recognition to any of the factions. The commission’s shifting position has intensified the dispute, with aggrieved parties threatening legal action and accusing one another of manipulation and illegitimacy.
Observers warn that the ADC’s deepening divisions could have serious political consequences. Once viewed as a promising opposition platform, the party now risks fragmenting beyond repair if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the crisis.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the stakes could not be higher. Prolonged infighting may cripple the party’s ability to organize effectively, present credible candidates, or maintain public trust. As the battle for control intensifies, the future of the ADC remains uncertain, hanging precariously between reconciliation and total disintegration.
