New Obinna‑Led Group Emerges in ADC Leadership Battle, Escalating Internal Turmoil Ahead of 2027 Elections
The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria has taken a dramatic turn, with a third faction — led by Don Norman Obinna — declaring itself the legitimate leadership and rejecting both the David Mark‑led coalition and the Nafiu Bala camp. This latest development further deepens the leadership impasse in one of the country’s major opposition parties, raising critical questions about the ADC’s organisational stability and electoral readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Obinna‑aligned group has publicly disowned the leadership claims of both Senator David Mark and Hon. Nafiu Bala, insisting its National Executive Committee (NEC) is the rightful governing body of the party. The faction’s declaration has compounded an already fraught situation, in which party members and supporters remain sharply divided over leadership legitimacy.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended recognition of the Mark‑led structure pending ongoing litigation, leaving the party without clear official direction. Meanwhile, the matter continues to play out in the Federal High Court in Abuja, where all parties are seeking judicial validation of their leadership claims.
Political analysts in Abuja say the emergence of a third faction could weaken the ADC’s cohesion and electoral strength, potentially affecting its performance in key states during future polls. Supporters loyal to different camps have threatened protests and legal action, amplifying pressure on INEC and the courts to resolve the leadership saga.
As the ADC grapples with internal fragmentation and mounting public scrutiny, political watchers warn that the party’s influence may be diminished if a unified leadership structure is not established soon.
