ADC Crisis Deepens as Rival Faction Suspends Former Chairman, Invalidates Party Congresses
The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a more dramatic turn following the suspension of the party’s former national chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, alongside 14 other prominent members by a rival faction claiming control of the party’s leadership.
The development has further exposed deep cracks within the opposition party, raising concerns about its stability ahead of future electoral contests.
The suspensions were announced after a meeting of a factional National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, led by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
According to the group, the affected members were sanctioned for allegedly engaging in actions considered harmful to the unity, structure, and constitution of the party.
The faction maintained that the disciplinary measure, which is expected to last six months, was necessary to protect the integrity of the ADC and prevent further internal disruption.
Those suspended alongside Nwosu include several founding members and senior officials who have played key roles in the party’s growth over the years.
The faction accused them of orchestrating parallel activities, undermining recognised party organs, and fueling divisions within the ADC.
It argued that such conduct had weakened trust among party members and created confusion across state chapters.
In a related move, the Bala-led faction declared recent congresses organised in some states illegal, insisting that they were conducted without proper authorisation.
The group described the congresses as unconstitutional and lacking legitimacy, warning party members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the general public to disregard any decisions or leadership outcomes arising from them.
To consolidate its position, the faction announced several new appointments into strategic roles within the party. Among them was the naming of a chairman for the Board of Patrons, along with other officials tasked with youth mobilisation, communications, and administrative coordination.
The faction said the appointments were aimed at strengthening internal structures and restoring discipline within the party.
Additionally, a committee was constituted to oversee preparations for the party’s governorship primary in Osun State, signalling the faction’s intention to proceed with electoral activities despite the ongoing leadership tussle.
The latest actions have intensified an already bitter struggle for control of the ADC, with multiple factions issuing conflicting directives and disciplinary measures against one another.
Analysts warn that unless the leadership dispute is urgently resolved through dialogue or legal clarification, the party risks losing relevance and cohesion as political realignments intensify nationwide.
As the crisis continues, uncertainty remains over which faction holds legitimate authority, leaving party members and observers watching closely for the next chapter in the unfolding power struggle within the ADC.
