The Nafiu Bala-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended 15 senior members of the party, including its former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party activities, further deepening the leadership crisis within the opposition party.
The six-month suspension was approved at the National Working Committee’s (NWC) regular meeting on Thursday and announced in a statement issued in Abuja.
Other members affected include 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.
According to Bala, the suspended members engaged in actions capable of undermining party unity and stability. He accused them of collaborating with coalition groups in ways that caused internal disaffection and disrupted the smooth conduct of party affairs.
“The NWC has observed that some party members have engaged in anti-party activities with coalition members, causing disaffection among party members and disrupting peaceful coexistence and efficient party administration,” Bala said.
He added that the suspensions were carried out in line with Article 15(a) of the party’s constitution.
The factional leadership also disowned ongoing ward, local government and state congresses allegedly being organised by unauthorised individuals across the country.
“The NWC declares these congresses null, void and of no effect whatsoever. Party members and the general public are directed to ignore and disregard the outcomes of such unauthorised congresses,” the statement said.
In addition to the suspensions, the NWC approved several appointments aimed at strengthening party administration. Kogi State lawmaker, Leke Abejide, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Patrons, based on his status as a ranking elected official of the party.
Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman; Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation; Bello Shehu as Director of Finance; and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary.
All appointees were directed to assume duties immediately.
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.
Abejide’s appointment has further complicated the party’s leadership crisis, coming barely two weeks after a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark ratified his expulsion over alleged indiscipline.
That faction had earlier written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, requesting that Abejide’s seat be declared vacant.
The latest suspensions and appointments highlight the deepening factional rift within the ADC, as rival leaderships continue to issue conflicting directives ahead of future elections.
Efforts to reach Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the David Mark-led faction, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report