ADC Crisis: Spokesperson Suspends Convention, Accuses David Mark Faction of Ignoring Court Orders
ADC spokesman Bashiru Abdul Mohammed says the party’s national convention has been suspended pending court rulings, accusing the David Mark faction of disregarding judicial orders amid the party’s deepening leadership crisis.
ABUJA
The internal leadership battle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another dramatic turn on Tuesday as the party’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, Bashiru Abdul Mohammed (BAM), announced the suspension of the party’s national convention, insisting that the ADC would not violate existing court orders amid the escalating dispute over its leadership.
Mohammed, speaking with journalists in Abuja, said the party leadership under Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe remained committed to the rule of law and would not proceed with any elective convention until the courts resolve the ongoing legal tussle.
His comments come amid conflicting claims over the legitimacy of the party’s leadership, with rival camps laying claim to the party’s national structure and accusing each other of undermining internal democracy.
Convention Put on Hold Pending Court Decisions
According to Mohammed, the ADC has decided to suspend all plans for a national convention pending the expiration of a subsisting court order directing parties in the dispute to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
He disclosed that hearings on the matter are expected to continue later this month, after which the party would take a decision on the next line of action.
“We have regard for the rule of law, constitutionalism and the courts. The party under the leadership of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe will not proceed with any convention until the pending legal matters are determined,” Mohammed said.
He maintained that any attempt to conduct a national convention before the legal issues are resolved would amount to a breach of judicial directives and could worsen the already fragile situation within the party.
BAM Attacks Rival Faction
In a sharp rebuke of the rival camp loyal to former Senate President David Mark, Mohammed accused the faction of attempting to manipulate public perception while disregarding lawful processes.
He dismissed reports and circulating images suggesting that preparations were underway for a national convention at the Velodrome in Abuja, describing them as misleading and orchestrated by “mischief makers.”
According to him, the David Mark-led group has continued to spread false narratives about the party’s activities in a bid to gain legitimacy.
The ADC spokesman said the faction’s actions were not only misleading but also disrespectful to the judiciary.
Without mincing words, Mohammed described members of the rival camp as individuals acting outside constitutional boundaries.
“We are not deviants, nor constitutional rascals. We will not act in defiance of the court the way the rival faction has chosen to do,” he declared.
Recognition of Gombe Leadership Reaffirmed
Mohammed reiterated that Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe remains the recognised National Chairman of the ADC and that no official directive has been issued approving the conduct of any convention.
He stressed that any congress or convention purportedly organised without the approval of the recognised leadership should be disregarded by party members and the public.
“The recognised leadership of the party has not issued any notice for a national convention. Any claim to the contrary is false and should be ignored,” he said.
The party spokesman assured members that once the courts conclude proceedings on the pending cases, the leadership would communicate the next steps in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral regulations.
Deepening Division in ADC
The latest development highlights the growing division within the ADC, which has in recent weeks become engulfed in a fierce struggle for control of its national leadership.
The crisis intensified after rival factions emerged, each claiming legitimacy and seeking recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The dispute has now spilled into the courts, with both sides pursuing legal avenues to strengthen their claims.
Political observers say the party’s internal conflict could significantly affect its organisational stability and preparations for future political contests if not resolved quickly.
Analysts also warn that prolonged litigation may weaken the party’s national visibility at a time when opposition platforms are attempting to reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Call for Patience
Despite the tension, Mohammed urged ADC members nationwide to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the crisis.
He assured that the party’s leadership was determined to protect the integrity of the party by respecting legal processes and avoiding actions that could bring further confusion.
He added that official notices regarding conventions and congresses would only be released after the court gives a final pronouncement on the pending matters.