Some state chairmen of the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday claimed they had taken control of the party following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s removal of the David Mark leadership.
The chairmen, who claimed to be representing 25 states and backed by the ADC 2023 Presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, stated that they constituted the National Executive Committee of the ADC and had taken over the party leadership.
The group unveiled Kingsley Ogaga, the Kogi State Chairman, as the new chairman, a move that signals a significant shift amid the party’s ongoing internal crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Abia State Chairman, Don Obinna, explained that the NEC endorsed Mark’s removal as the party chairman.
The commission, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the action was in line with a court order to maintain the status quo pending the final ruling on a suit.
The party has been enmeshed in a prolonged leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mark in July.
The crisis originated from disputes over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022. While Nwosu was said to have supported the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Gombe, maintained that he should step in as acting chairman after Nwosu’s exit.
The disagreement later degenerated into factional contests for control, triggering multiple legal battles at both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, and fueling concerns over the party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections.
In a new twist, the group backed by the ADC 2023 Presidential candidate, Kachikwu, on Tuesday in Abuja, during the purported NEC meeting, announced a caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.
Ogga was announced as the Chairman of the committee, while the Acting Chairman of Edo State, Odion Kennedy, was named Acting Secretary. The Borno State Chairman, Mohammad Jidda, will serve as Deputy Chairman.
In the expanded structure, several state chairmen were assigned key national roles. Kabiru Hussaini of Jigawa State was appointed Assistant Secretary, Dr Charles Idowu Midji from Osun State emerged as National Organising Secretary, while Johnny Tovi Derek of Bayelsa State was named Deputy Organising Secretary.
