The leadership turmoil within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as a faction led by Nafiu Bala announced the suspension of 15 senior party members, including former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party activities.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Friday, December 19, in Abuja by Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Hon. Leke Abejide.
The six-month suspension affects Nwosu alongside other notable figures such as Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr. Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba, and Razak Eyiwuawi.
According to the statement, the decision was taken at a regular meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and later communicated to the public.
Alleged Anti-Party Activities
Factional National Chairman Nafiu Bala accused the affected members of engaging in actions that undermine party unity and disrupt orderly administration.
He said, “The NWC has observed that some members have engaged in anti-party activities with coalition members, causing disaffection and disrupting the peaceful coexistence of party faithful and efficient conduct of party business.”
Bala emphasized that the suspensions were in accordance with the party’s constitution, stating, “The NWC has collectively approved the suspension of the following members for six (6) months, pursuant to Article 15(a) of the party constitution.”
The Bala-led NWC also disowned purported congresses allegedly organised by some members across states, describing them as illegal and unauthorised.
“The NWC declares these congresses null, void, and of no effect. Party members and the public are directed to disregard the proceedings and outcomes of these unauthorised gatherings,” the statement read.
New Appointments Announced
In addition to the suspensions, the faction announced new appointments to strengthen the party’s administrative and operational structure.
Notable among the appointments is Kogi State federal lawmaker, Hon. Leke Abejide, named Chairman of the Board of Patrons in recognition of his standing as a senior elected official of the ADC.
Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman; Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation; Bello Shehu as Director of Finance; and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary.
These developments have further deepened internal tensions within the ADC, as rival factions continue to clash over legitimacy, heightening uncertainty across the party nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
