A physical altercation broke out at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention in Abuja on Tuesday, with former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola at the center of the ensuing controversy.

The event was the culmination of a long-running leadership crisis that has split the party into rival factions.

The convention was organized by the faction loyal to former Senate President, David Mark, where Aregbesola serves as National Secretary. This faction moved to expel Nafiu Bala and other members, alleging anti-party activities, which the Bala faction condemned as an illegitimate “political purge”. The event was further complicated by the absence of election monitors from INEC, which Aregbesola publicly condemned.

According to reports, the situation escalated into a near-physical confrontation. Attendees noted that “MR ARGBESOLA ALMOST GOT A PUNCH ON HIS FACE” as another figure, Solomon Lalung, was seen raising his voice in a heated exchange.

Amidst the chaos, Aregbesola was himself accused of manipulation. The ruling APC, through Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the gathering as “illegal”, labeling its members “desperados and power mongers”.

The counter-camp further fueled the accusation, alleging that Aregbesola is part of an external plot to “hijack” the party for political gain.