The State Chairmen Forum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala, accusing them of hijacking the party from its original members.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman of the ADC in Abia State, Don Obinna, said the forum fully supports the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition from the two factions.
Obinna described the actions of both groups as illegitimate, insisting that they do not represent the authentic structure of the party.
“We disassociate the ADC from David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, Prof. Osunbor, and all members of the so-called coalition who attempted to hijack our party.
“All actions taken by them in the name of the ADC are not binding on the ADC,” he said.
He also dismissed claims by Bala’s camp, stating that the faction lacks any constitutional backing within the party.
“We disassociate the ADC from the claims of Nafiu Bala and firmly state that he has never held the position of deputy chairman of the ADC,” Obinna added.
The forum reaffirmed that Dumebi Kachikwu remains a bonafide member of the party, describing his reported expulsion by the Mark-led group as “an act of desperation taken too far.”
Obinna further accused the coalition figures of pursuing personal political interests rather than democratic ideals.
“The people who call themselves a coalition have no democratic credentials and are only interested in a power grab,” he said.
To stabilise the party, the forum announced the formation of an interim committee to oversee its affairs pending a national convention.
The committee is chaired by Ogga Kingsley (acting chairman) and includes Odion Kennedy (secretary), Muhammad Jidda (deputy chairman), Kabiru Hussaini (assistant secretary), Charles Omidji (national organising secretary), Johnny Derek (deputy organising secretary), Stella Chukwuma (treasurer), Don Obinna (publicity secretary), and Samuel Gyang (financial secretary).
The crisis within the ADC has persisted since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party’s leadership, triggering internal disputes and legal battles.
Last week, INEC announced it would no longer recognise the leadership of both factions, citing a March 12 judgment of the court of appeal and ongoing litigation at the federal high court.
The electoral body also said it would not participate in meetings or activities organised by either faction pending the resolution of the legal dispute.
