ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled its former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, following decisions taken at its national convention held on Tuesday, in a major restructuring aimed at resolving internal leadership disputes and repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also expelled Kenneth Ehiator, Abia State chairman of the ADC, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu, with officials stating that the move was part of efforts to restore discipline, unity, and organisational stability within the party structure.

At the same convention, the ADC ratified a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark, alongside former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal as Deputy National Chairman (North East), and Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.

The leadership changes come amid prolonged internal disputes over legitimacy and control of the party structure, with Nafiu Bala previously insisting he remained the rightful national chairman of the ADC, while Leke Abejide aligned with his faction and participated in protests at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demanding recognition.

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Party insiders said the expulsion of key figures was necessary to end parallel leadership claims and unify the party ahead of its political roadmap toward the 2027 elections, where it plans to field candidates across all elective positions.

The ADC also confirmed that it had duly notified INEC ahead of the convention and would proceed to submit its official report in line with electoral guidelines.

Chairman of the convention media sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the party complied with legal requirements, stressing that INEC’s physical presence at the event was not mandatory for the validity of the convention.

According to him, what matters under the law is proper notification and submission of post-convention documentation, which the party says it has fulfilled.

With the convention concluded, the ADC said it is now shifting focus to preparations for its primaries, where it will select candidates for the 2027 general elections, including its presidential flagbearer.

Political sources within the party said the newly established leadership structure would guide negotiations among aspirants, with discussions expected on whether to adopt direct primaries or a consensus arrangement.

The 2026 Electoral Act allows political parties to determine their method of primary elections, either through direct voting by members or consensus among stakeholders.

Sources further noted that managing multiple high-profile aspirants remains one of the biggest challenges facing the party as it prepares for the presidential contest.

Political analysts say the ADC’s evolving structure could reshape opposition politics in Nigeria, especially with the reported involvement of prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

However, analysts also warn that internal competition for the presidential ticket may become a major test of unity for the party as it attempts to position itself as a strong opposition force ahead of 2027.

Despite the tensions, the ADC insists that its convention marks a turning point in its restructuring process and a significant step toward its participation in the next general elections.

ADC Expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, Ratifies David Mark-Led Leadership