BREAKING: David Mark’s ADC Faction Expels Nafiu Bala, Abejide, Others Over ‘Anti-Party Activities’ At Abuja Convention

Others expelled at the convention held in Abuja include former deputy national chairman, Kenneth Ehiator, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by former Senate President, David Mark, on Tuesday expelled several top members of the party, including its factional national chairman, Nafiu Bala, and House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, over alleged anti-party activities.

Others expelled at the convention held in Abuja include former deputy national chairman, Kenneth Ehiator, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu.

The decision was taken during the party’s national convention, where delegates approved a motion seeking the immediate expulsion of the affected members.

Senator Binos Yaroe, who represents Adamawa South, moved the motion for their expulsion on the floor of the convention, which was promptly seconded and adopted by delegates in attendance.

Party officials said the expelled members were accused of engaging in activities considered detrimental to the unity and progress of the ADC, amid an escalating leadership crisis that has split the party into rival factions.

The development comes as the ADC continues to battle internal disputes over control of its national structure, with competing claims to legitimacy between factions loyal to David Mark and other party stakeholders.

Tuesday’s convention was also held against the backdrop of ongoing legal battles at the Supreme Court over the party’s leadership.

Counsel to the ADC, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), had earlier confirmed that the apex court granted accelerated hearing of appeals relating to the dispute, setting timelines for the filing of briefs by parties involved.

The case stems from a Court of Appeal judgment that triggered a fresh crisis over the recognition of party officials and actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which had removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as national officers from its portal following the appellate decision.

Mark has since filed an appeal seeking to halt the enforcement of the judgment and retain his position pending the final determination of the case.

Speaking on the matter, Okutepa said the Supreme Court would first determine whether the leadership dispute is justiciable.

“So for hearing of the matter, whether or not leadership question is justiciable, that’s all that we have to hear,” he said, adding that further steps would depend on the court’s ruling.

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the convention had earlier escalated after allegations emerged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, pressured the owners of Rainbow Event Centre to withdraw hosting rights for the ADC event.