Crisis Hits ADC as Leadership Rift Deepens Over Congress Notice

A fresh wave of internal turmoil has engulfed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a leadership dispute at the national level spills into the states, threatening the party’s unity and organisational stability ahead of crucial political activities.

Controversy Over Congress Notice

The crisis erupted following a notice reportedly issued by the National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, announcing plans for party congresses. The move, which should ordinarily signal routine internal democratic processes, has instead exposed deep cracks within the party’s hierarchy.

Akahi News gathered that shortly after the notice circulated, several state chairmen issued a strongly worded disclaimer, publicly dissociating themselves from the announcement. The state leaders claimed they were acting under the directive of the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, raising questions about whether due process was followed before the notice was released.

State Chairmen Push Back

In their collective response, the state chairmen insisted that the congress notice did not reflect the official position of the party as communicated to them by the national leadership. According to sources who spoke with Akahi News, the state executives argued that any move to conduct congresses without broad consultation could further inflame tensions within the ADC.

Observers note that the public nature of the disclaimer is unusual in party politics and underscores the seriousness of the disagreement. Rather than being resolved internally, the dispute has now played out in the open, fuelling speculation about an ongoing power struggle at the top of the party.

Allegations of Factional Control

Although no official statement has conclusively addressed the underlying cause of the rift, party insiders suggest that the disagreement reflects a wider struggle for control ahead of future electoral positioning. Analysts believe that the clash between the offices of the National Secretary and the National Chairman may be symptomatic of competing loyalties and unresolved leadership questions within the ADC.

According to political watchers, such divisions, if not urgently managed, could weaken the party’s grassroots structures and undermine its credibility among supporters. Akahi News learnt that some party faithful are already expressing concern about mixed signals coming from the national leadership.

What This Means for the ADC

The unfolding situation places the ADC at a delicate crossroads. Internal democracy, transparency, and unity are key selling points for any political party seeking relevance in Nigeria’s competitive political landscape. Prolonged infighting could distract the party from policy engagement and mobilisation efforts.

As one commentator put it in a widely shared remark, the “fight go long”, suggesting that the dispute may not be resolved anytime soon. While the phrase was delivered humorously, the implications are serious for a party striving to consolidate its position.

Waiting for Official Clarification

As of the time of filing this report, neither the National Chairman nor the National Secretary has issued a comprehensive public clarification to address the conflicting claims. Political observers say such silence could further embolden factions and deepen mistrust within the party ranks.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments within the ADC and provide updates as more facts emerge. For now, party members and political enthusiasts alike are watching closely, popcorn in hand, as the drama unfolds.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org