Abuja, April 15, 2026 — The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has escalated further, with the faction loyal to Nafi’u Bala Gombe announcing plans to hold its own national convention on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the National Stadium in Abuja.
The announcement, which has been circulating widely on social media since Tuesday, comes just one day after the rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark concluded its national convention in the same city and expelled Bala along with several other members over alleged anti-party activities.
According to the widely shared posts, the Bala-led group intends to proceed with its gathering at the iconic National Stadium venue. Details such as the exact agenda or expected attendance have not been officially released by the faction, but the move signals a determination to assert legitimacy amid the protracted leadership tussle.
Background of the Rift
The ADC has been divided since the resignation of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, with two main factions emerging. The David Mark-led group, which includes prominent figures like Rauf Aregbesola, held its convention on April 14, 2026, at the Rainbow Events Centre in Abuja after reportedly facing venue challenges.
At that gathering, delegates ratified the National Working Committee (NWC) under Mark’s leadership, made constitutional amendments, and voted overwhelmingly to expel Nafi’u Bala Gombe (described as a former deputy national chairman), House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, Stella Chukwuma, Kingsley Temitope Ogga, and others for what the Mark faction termed “anti-party activities.”
The expulsions were announced amid an ongoing legal battle. A Supreme Court appeal involving the leadership dispute was scheduled for hearing on the same day as the Mark convention, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained a neutral stance.
INEC has declined to recognise either faction fully, removed names of key leaders from its portal following a Court of Appeal ruling, and stated it will not monitor or engage with party activities until the courts deliver a final judgment.
What This Means
The planned April 21 convention by the Bala faction risks deepening the split, potentially leading to parallel structures, further legal challenges, and complications for the party’s preparations ahead of future elections. Such parallel conventions have become a recurring feature in Nigerian opposition party crises.
As of Wednesday morning, no official confirmation has emerged from INEC regarding monitoring or recognition of the proposed April 21 event. The Mark-led faction is unlikely to acknowledge the gathering, viewing Bala and his allies as no longer members of the party.
Political observers expect intensified court battles and possible protests at INEC offices in the coming days. The ADC, which has been positioned by some as a potential platform for opposition coalition building, now faces the risk of further fragmentation at a critical time in Nigeria’s political calendar.
Further updates are expected as both sides continue to press their claims in the media and the judiciary.
