ADC Faction Warns Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai Against Alleged Attempt to Seize Party Ahead of 2027
A renewed internal dispute has broken out within the African Democratic Congress as a faction loyal to its factional National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, issued a warning to prominent opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—over what it described as attempts to hijack the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC Board of Trustees, which on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in Bala, dismissed the David Mark-led coalition as an unauthorised structure aligned with a rival leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, BoT Secretary Chief Rufus Ekenmi accused the coalition of infiltrating the ADC and attempting to impose external control on the party. According to him, those allegedly involved in the move include Atiku, Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, Abubakar Malami, Babachir Lawal, Emeka Ihedioha, and Liyel Imoke.
Ekenmi, represented by Abdulmumeeni Ibraheem, described the group as “politicians with a high propensity for impatience,” warning that the party will sanction any member found engaging with them.
Following his endorsement, Bala pledged to defend the party’s constitution, arguing that the coalition had violated internal rules by operating from a parallel headquarters. He also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising Mark as chairman despite his alleged lack of formal membership.
Bala noted that the matter is before the Federal High Court, which is expected to determine the legitimacy of INEC’s recognition.
When approached for comment, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed the Bala faction’s claims, saying the party would not dignify what he described as a non-existent faction. He also played down suggestions of a major opposition realignment, explaining that the newly inaugurated secretariat—previously used by Atiku during his last presidential bid—was simply an expired tenancy taken over by the ADC.
Abdullahi added that the party remained focused on fairness ahead of its February congresses and insisted that coalition leaders such as Obi and El-Rufai were expected to rejoin fully after the Anambra governorship election.
Internal tensions within the ADC heightened in August when Nafiu Bala declared himself National Chairman, deepening a leadership crisis that continues to divide the party as it navigates preparations for the 2027 elections.
