Atiku alleges external interference in ADC crisis, says factional chairman enjoys ‘governor-like’ privileges

FORMER Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has blamed vested interests for the lingering crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming the party’s rising popularity has made it a target.

In an interview with DW Hausa, Atiku said the turmoil is being fuelled by external forces seeking to weaken the party. Despite the dispute, he maintained that public confidence in the ADC remains intact, noting that new members continue to join from across the country.

According to him, there is no indication that Nigerians are withdrawing their support. “People from all states are still aligning with the party. Nothing suggests a loss of faith,” he said.

Although he did not name anyone directly, Atiku pointed to a party figure, believed to be Nafiu Bala, who he said appears to be enjoying unusual privileges backed by powerful interests, Daily Trust reported. He questioned how the individual could suddenly have access to security personnel, vehicles, and accommodation, describing the situation as clear evidence of outside influence.

READ ALSO: Atiku vows to back any ADC presidential candidate, signals support for youth emergence

Atiku further alleged that the individual now moves with heavy protection ‘almost like a governor,’ adding that his movements since the crisis began have raised concerns, including his failure to return to his hometown.

The leadership crisis escalated after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed the names of David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary from its official portal. The commission said its decision followed a ruling by the Court of Appeal Nigeria.

At the centre of the dispute is a power struggle between Bala and Mark over the party’s leadership. Bala, a former deputy national vice chairman, had opposed Mark’s ratification as chairman, insisting he should have assumed leadership after the previous executive committee stepped down.

Atiku subsequently approached the court to restrain Mark and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) from presenting themselves as party leaders, while also seeking recognition from INEC as acting national chairman.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, granted an interim order in September 2025, directing INEC and other parties to justify why Bala’s requests should not be upheld.

Mark challenged the ruling at the appellate court in December 2025, questioning the trial court’s jurisdiction. However, the appeal was dismissed on March 12, 2026, with the court issuing preservatory orders.

Bala had also filed a separate motion seeking to halt all ADC conventions, congresses, and meetings, as well as to stop INEC from recognising such activities pending the resolution of the case.

INEC recently disclosed that it has received multiple conflicting communications from legal representatives of both factions, each laying claim to the party’s leadership. The commission said it would strictly adhere to the directives of the Court of Appeal in managing the dispute.

Odinkalu alleges pre-signed Amupitan resignation letter

Meanwhile, Professor of Law, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, said the presidency’s threat to activate Amupitan’s alleged pre-signed resignation letter led to the commission’s delisting of Mark and other leaders of ADC from INEC portal.

Odinkalu carpeted INEC over its interpretation of the ruling of the Court of Appeal in the case (appeal) between Mark and Gombe and others.

READ ALSO: ADC calls for INEC chairman’s removal, warns of Tinubu’s planned one-party agenda

In his X post, Odinkalu pointed fingers at the INEC leadership, President Bola Tinubu, Court of Appeal, and the Federal High Court, alleging a meeting that culminated in the commission’s statement containing its interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

Odinkalu wrote, “This release by @inecnigeria followed a meeting involving senior leaders of the Commission, & @NGRPresident, @CourtOfAppealNG, @FederalHigh in the last 60 hours.

“I have it on the most impeccable authority that there is a pre-signed resignation letter by Chairman (Professor Joash) Amupitan (INEC chairman).

“It was a pre-condition for his appointment. Ultimately, that had to be called in aid by those who persuaded him to issue this release.

“The threat of releasing it did the magic. It should be evident to a professor of law & #SAN that it is not the business of @inecnigeria to interpret the decision of the Court of Appeal.

“If they had any doubt, an #INEC governed by good faith should have gone back to the Court of Appeal to secure an interpretation of the decision.

“But that is not where we are now. The country stares down a barrel & only those willing to enable that, make peace with it, or dare it will be able to sniff the stakes in #NigeriaDecides2027.”