The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing an escalating internal crisis after a faction led by former Senate President, David Mark conducted a national convention in Abuja on April 14, 2026.

The event has been rejected by rival factions and condemned by the Presidency, raising serious questions about the party’s cohesion and legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The convention, held at an event center in Abuja, saw delegates ratify David Mark as national chairman and expel rival leaders, including Nafiu Bala Gombe and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide.

However, the gathering was immediately dismissed as a nullity by the Bala-led faction, which accused the Mark camp of violating subsisting court orders.

Bala, at a press conference in Abuja on April 17, cited a Court of Appeal judgment from March 12, 2026, which directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit. He also noted the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the convention, arguing it demonstrated a lack of official recognition.

“Any action taken in flagrant disregard of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on 12th March 2026 is not only of questionable legality but is liable to be declared null, void, and of no effect,” Bala stated.

Leke Abejide also rejected the exercise, calling it illegal and unconstitutional, and accused the Mark-led coalition of being “political merchants”. The House of Representatives member, who has been with the ADC since 2017, emphasized his loyalty to the party and criticized the coalition leaders for a history of party switching.

The convention has also been criticized by Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Kachikwu accused the Mark-led faction of engaging in “political gangsterism” and violating a Federal High Court order issued on April 14 that barred any congresses or conventions. He described the event as a “show of shame” and a “blame game” focused on attacking President Bola Tinubu without offering any policy alternatives.

The Presidency has seized on the internal turmoil to mock the opposition. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the party’s crisis as a deepening quagmire, referring to opposition figures as “SPV renters” and dismissing the convention as an illegal exercise.

“Nafiu Bala Gombe just further trashed the ADC illegal elective convention. The ADC quagmire worsens. No pity for the SPV renters: Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Mark, Alhaji Kwankwaso,” Onanuga wrote on social media.

The APC also defended itself against accusations that it is responsible for the opposition’s troubles. APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, described the ADC’s crisis as “self-inflicted” and questioned why the party would proceed with a convention in defiance of a court order.

The crisis has left the ADC factionalized, with three major factions—led by David Mark, Nafiu Bala Gombe, and Dumebi Kachikwu—each claiming legitimacy. The party’s ability to field candidates and present a united front for the 2027 elections remains in serious doubt. As the legal battles continue, the ADC faces an uncertain future, with its internal conflicts threatening to undermine its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.