The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened, as factional chairman, Nafiu Bala, declared that the convention organised by a group aligned with former Senate President, David Mark, is illegal.

Bala, alongside House of Representatives member, Leke Abejide, rejected their reported expulsion from the party, describing the move as unlawful and without legitimacy. They maintained that those who announced their expulsion lack the authority and recognition within the party structure.

The disputed convention, held in Abuja, produced a rival leadership faction that claimed to have expelled Bala, Abejide, and several others over alleged anti-party activities. However, Bala’s camp dismissed the exercise as a violation of existing legal provisions and not recognised by the appropriate authorities.

Addressing journalists, Bala insisted that the actions taken by the Mark-led faction are null and void, stressing that those involved are not legitimate members of the party and therefore lack the power to take such decisions. He also vowed to challenge the development through legal means.

The crisis has further exposed deep divisions within the ADC, with multiple factions now laying claim to the party’s leadership ahead of future elections. Political observers warn that the ongoing dispute could weaken the party’s chances if not resolved promptly.