ADC Crisis deepens as Kachikwu’s faction backs INEC, disowns Mark, Gombe

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Monday, as a faction loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, endorsed the de-recognition of the David Mark-led leadership by the electoral authorities.

At a press conference in Abuja, the group declared its full support for the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of Mark and his executive committee, citing compliance with an Appeal Court ruling.

The faction also distanced itself from another group led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisting he did not emerge through any credible or constitutionally recognised process.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Kogi State chairman, Temitope, accused former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, of attempting to hand over the party structure to individuals who are not bona fide members, particularly those aligned with Mark. The faction commended INEC for what it described as a swift move to distance itself from the disputed leadership.

“We hereby disassociate ourselves from David Mark and his Exco and all the actions taken by him which are not binding on us. We also distance ourselves from the Nafiu Bala Gombe group and all actions purportedly taken by him,” the group stated.

According to a communique read by its publicity secretary, Obinna Don Norman, the faction maintained that Mark and his executive members did not meet the constitutional requirement of at least two years’ membership in the party.

The group further rejected the legitimacy of planned party congresses, arguing that they were not ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC). It claimed that key decisions were taken during an NEC meeting held at Kachikwu’s office in Abuja.

Defending the emergence of a new interim leadership, Norman said the move was necessary to preserve the party’s structure, maintain engagement with INEC, and safeguard its participation in future elections.

“We are on a rescue mission to save the ADC from being denied the opportunity to take part in the next general election,” he said, adding that the interim leadership would step aside once the legal disputes are resolved.

Responding to allegations of external influence, the faction denied any links with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing claims that it was being sponsored to destabilise the opposition party.

As part of its restructuring efforts, the faction announced a new set of interim national officers drawn from 25 state chapters, including Ogga Temitope Kingsley (Kogi) as interim National Chairman and Odion Kennedy (Edo) as Secretary, among others.

The development underscores deepening divisions within the ADC, raising fresh concerns over the party’s cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.