A faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has laid down specific conditions for accepting the political leadership of Senator David Mark, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other key political figures recently associated with the party. The faction, representing a significant segment of the ADC’s grassroots leadership, expressed concerns over how the party’s adoption by these prominent politicians has been handled.
Acting National Chairman Nafiu Bala, speaking on behalf of the faction, criticized what they perceive as an elitist take-over of the ADC by veteran politicians without sufficient consultation with rank-and-file members, including state executives, youth leaders, and ward coordinators. The faction insists that the party cannot be treated as a private political platform for elite dealmaking or personal ambitions.
In their statement, the faction called for the resolution of outstanding legal disputes related to the party’s leadership, notably ongoing court cases from the 2023 elections, before fully embracing any new leadership structure. They demand a constitutionally mandated national convention to democratically elect leaders and restore the party’s integrity.
This stance challenges the current arrangement that saw David Mark appointed as interim national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, alongside the ADC’s role as a coalition platform for opposition political heavyweights aiming at the 2027 elections. The faction’s resistance highlights an internal struggle over party control, democratic legitimacy, and the direction of the ADC.
Political analysts observe that this discord within the ADC may affect the cohesion and effectiveness of the opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The faction’s insistence on grassroots involvement and transparent processes reflects a broader call for accountability and inclusiveness in Nigerian party politics.
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