By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress led by David Mark has expelled former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, and three other members over alleged anti-party activities.
The decision was announced on Tuesday during the party’s National Congress held in Abuja, as the ADC leadership moved to assert control amid a protracted internal crisis.
Others affected by the expulsion include Kenneth Ehiator, Stella Chukwu, and Elias Adiukwu.
Party officials said the action was part of efforts to enforce discipline and preserve the integrity of the party, which has in recent weeks been embroiled in leadership disputes and factional claims.
The crisis has largely centred around Bala, who continues to assert that he remains the authentic National Chairman of the party, despite earlier reports indicating that he had resigned from his position as Deputy National Chairman.
The dispute took a dramatic turn recently when Bala, alongside Abejide, led a protest to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja. During the protest, they called on prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Mark to stay away from the ADC, alleging attempts to hijack the party’s structure.
The development further deepened divisions within the party, with both factions laying claim to legitimacy and control.
The leadership crisis also spilled into the courts, with multiple legal actions challenging the delisting of party officials by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
