The Nafiu Bala faction of the African Democratic Congress on Thursday suspended 15 prominent members of the party, including its former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party activities, deepening the leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Those affected by the six-month suspension include Nwosu, Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, Dr Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Ms Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba and Razak Eyiwuawi.
The decision, taken at the NWC’s regular meeting, was contained in a statement issued in Abuja.
Among other things, Bala accused the suspended members of actions capable of undermining party cohesion and stability.
He said, “The NWC has observed that some party members have engaged in anti-party activities with coalition members, causing disaffection among party members and disrupting the peaceful coexistence of party faithful and efficient conduct of party business.
“As a result, the NWC has collectively approved the suspension of the following members for six (6) months: Pursuant to article 15(a) of the party constitution.
The factional leadership also disowned the ongoing congresses allegedly being organised by some members across the states.
“The NWC has noted that certain unauthorised individuals are organising special Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses, claiming to act on behalf of the party. The NWC declares these congresses null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.
“All party members and the public are directed to ignore and discard the proceedings and outcomes of these unauthorised congresses.”
Beyond the suspensions, the meeting approved a raft of new appointments aimed, according to the NWC, at strengthening party administration.
Among those appointed was the Kogi State federal lawmaker, Leke Abejide, who was named Chairman, Board of Patrons, by virtue of his status as a ranking elected official of the party.
Others appointed include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman; Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Abimiku Monday; Director of Youth Mobilisation, Muhammad Aboki; Director of Finance, Bello Shehu; and Administrative Secretary, Rabiu Mohammed.
“All appointees are to assume duties immediately and are expected to collect their appointment letters and further instructions at the party’s National Headquarters,” the statement said.
The NWC also constituted a four-member committee to conduct the Osun State governorship primary election, with Dr Rufus Ikanmi as Chairman, Henry Moses as Secretary, and Muhammad Ibrahim and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh Katagum as members.
Reiterating its stance on party discipline and order, Gombe said, “All official announcements regarding party congresses will be made through the ADC’s authorised communication channels.
“All appointments take immediate effect, and the appointees are expected to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and professionalism.”
Abejide’s appointment has added another layer to the festering leadership dispute within the ADC.
It comes barely two weeks after a rival faction of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark, ratified the expulsion of the same Kogi federal lawmaker.
The Mark-led leadership had endorsed an earlier decision by the Kogi State chapter of the party to expel Abejide over alleged serial acts of indiscipline.
The confirmation was announced at the end of an NWC meeting in Abuja, following weeks of internal wrangling.
At the time, the Kogi chapter had formally written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, requesting that the seat of the Yagba Federal Constituency be declared vacant.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of that faction, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC leadership reaffirmed what it described as the party’s zero-tolerance posture on internal misconduct.
The latest suspensions and appointments underscore the deepening factional struggle within the ADC as rival leaderships continue to issue conflicting decisions, raising fresh questions about authority and legitimacy ahead of future elections.
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