The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, with the faction led by David Mark firmly denying reports of alliance talks with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), insisting its focus remains on a निर्णative legal battle at the Supreme Court.
The apex court is set to hear the appeal filed by the Mark-led National Executive Committee (NEC) on April 22, challenging a lower court ruling that barred the former Senate President from parading himself as the party’s national chairman.
Speculation had mounted that the faction might seek an alternative political platform amid fears that the Supreme Court could uphold the Appeal Court’s earlier decision—an outcome that could significantly weaken the ambitions of key figures within the party. However, the ADC dismissed such claims as unfounded.
Speaking on behalf of the party, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the reports as false and misleading.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the ADC is in discussions with another political party in anticipation of a court judgment. This claim is entirely untrue,” Abdullahi said, adding that the leadership remains committed to overturning what it described as unlawful actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other actors.
He stressed that the dispute goes beyond routine political maneuvering, warning that it strikes at the core of Nigeria’s democratic system and the rule of law.
Legal Battle at the Center
The legal tussle originated from a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the legitimacy of the Mark-led leadership. Gombe argued that he never resigned his position and should have assumed leadership following the exit of the party’s founder, Ralph Nwosu.
In the suit, Gombe sought to restrain the party and INEC from recognizing the Mark-led executives, while also asking the court to affirm him as acting national chairman.
The Federal High Court in Abuja initially entertained the matter, and subsequent appeals by Mark were dismissed by the Court of Appeal on March 12, 2026, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
Following the ruling, INEC announced it would no longer recognize either faction pending final judicial resolution, effectively freezing party activities at the national level.
Dissatisfied, the Mark faction approached the Supreme Court, seeking an order compelling INEC to restore its recognition. A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba granted accelerated hearing and fixed April 22 for proceedings.
Youth Wing Mobilises Nationwide Protests
Amid the legal uncertainty, the ADC youth wing has escalated pressure on INEC, announcing coordinated protests in Lagos, Ogun, and Jigawa states under the #AmupitanMustGo campaign.
According to National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai, demonstrations—tagged “Operation Occupy INEC”—are scheduled to begin in Lagos at Yaba College of Technology and later in Abeokuta.
The protests follow earlier demonstrations in Abuja led by prominent opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Kogi senator Dino Melaye.
The demonstrators accused INEC of partisanship and called for the resignation of its chairman, Joash Amupitan, demanding what they described as the restoration of due process and institutional integrity.
Despite growing tensions and political speculation, the ADC leadership maintains that it is neither abandoning its platform nor entering into any merger discussions, insisting that the outcome of the Supreme Court case will be decisive for both the party’s future and Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
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