According to a report by The Vanguard on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently embroiled in a fierce leadership struggle that threatens its stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

High-ranking party member and veteran lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has raised the alarm, alleging a coordinated plot by external forces to destabilize the party and truncate its progress.

Okonkwo specifically defended the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, insisting that his recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains legally binding.

He dismissed a recent Court of Appeal order to “maintain the status quo” as a confirmation of Mark’s current authority, rather than a reason to remove him.

According to Okonkwo, those challenging the leadership are “usurpers” using propaganda and legal technicalities to pressure INEC into making illegal changes.

However, a rival faction led by Acting National Publicity Secretary Bashir Abdul-Mohammed has countered these claims, describing the crisis as “self-inflicted.”

Abdul-Mohammed argues that according to the party’s constitution, Nafiu Bala is the only legitimate acting chairman following the previous chairman’s resignation.

He accused the David Mark-led camp of an “unlawful takeover” and claimed that INEC is blatantly disobeying court orders by not recognizing Bala.

The dispute has also taken a messy turn with allegations of forgery regarding a resignation letter attributed to Nafiu Bala. While Okonkwo warns that the APC might be influencing the crisis to weaken the opposition, the Abdul-Mohammed faction maintains they are simply fighting for the rule of law.

As both sides head to court to finalize the battle, the internal division leaves the ADC’s future hanging in the balance, with supporters worried that the party may not be unified enough to compete in 2027.

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