Mark-led ADC faction insists April 14 convention will hold
Despite an ongoing leadership crisis and regulatory intervention, the faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark has resolved to proceed with its National Convention scheduled
Despite an ongoing leadership crisis and regulatory intervention, the faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark has resolved to proceed with its National Convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The decision comes amid internal divisions and legal disputes that continue to unsettle the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations in Abuja on Saturday indicated heightened preparations for the convention, with organisers finalising logistics for the event. However, the venue has not been publicly disclosed, a move party insiders attribute to strategic considerations.
A senior party chieftain, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the faction remains committed to holding the convention as planned.
“Nothing is stopping our national convention from holding on Tuesday. We are going ahead as scheduled,” the source said.
While details regarding the number of delegates expected from across the states and the FCT were not disclosed, the source maintained that arrangements align with previously communicated plans.
“The convention will hold in Abuja on April 14, and the national leadership will provide further details in due course,” the source added.
The ADC has been embroiled in a protracted leadership dispute since July 2025, following the transition of party leadership from former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu to Senator David Mark. The move was contested by another faction led by the Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who also laid claim to the party’s leadership.
The crisis intensified in March 2026 after a Court of Appeal ruling directed a return to the party’s earlier leadership structure. This was followed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declining recognition of the competing factions.
Despite the uncertainty, the Mark-led group appears determined to consolidate its position through the planned convention.
Party sources also dismissed reports suggesting the faction was considering alternative political platforms, insisting that efforts remain focused on stabilising the ADC and advancing its internal processes.
He explained that the meeting, which was at the instance of the PRP leadership, was essentially to strategise on how the opposition parties can form a united force in prosecuting the forthcoming general elections.
According to the ADC chief, "Friday meeting with the leadership of PRP was a courtesy visit on our party. It was at the instance of the PRP leaders. The meeting essentially deliberated on the need to forge a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC team had David Mark, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Salihu Lukman, while the PRP spokesman Muhammed Ishaq accompanied his national chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed to the meeting which lasted for about 20 minutes.
A similar meeting was held by David Mark-led ADC with Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction earlier in the week.
