A former lawmaker, Ishaku Abbo, has alleged that internal disagreements and external interference are responsible for the ongoing crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that the situation could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement, Abbo traced the genesis of the dispute to the resignation of the party’s former National Working Committee (NWC), including ex-Deputy National Chairman Nafiu Bala, to pave the way for a new leadership reportedly led by David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
According to him, an agreement had been reached to allocate party positions across geopolitical zones to accommodate legacy members. He claimed that in the Northeast, the position of National Vice Chairman was initially agreed to be ceded to Bala.
However, the new leadership allegedly reneged on the deal and instead appointed Babachir David Lawal to the role.
Abbo further alleged that Bala rejected an alternative offer of Zonal Financial Secretary and subsequently became aggrieved over what he described as a slight.
The former senator also claimed that the fallout triggered efforts by aggrieved party members to destabilise the ADC, alleging that some individuals sought alliances within the Presidential Villa to undermine the party. He further alleged that unnamed political figures, including a serving governor and former minister, mobilised legal actions against the party.
In addition, Abbo accused elements within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of targeting the ADC, claiming that the commission’s actions were influenced by powerful political actors, though he did not provide evidence.
He called on Bala to withdraw any pending court cases in the interest of party unity and urged INEC to reverse what he described as partisan actions.
Abbo said he would address the issues further in a live broadcast, where he plans to speak on the legality of INEC’s actions and the internal crisis within the party, particularly in Adamawa State.
The ADC has yet to officially respond to the allegations.