The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress deepened on Friday as its chairman, David Mark, held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja.
The meeting, which took place away from public view, signals renewed political consultations as opposition parties navigate internal disputes ahead of 2027.
In attendance were PRP Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi, and Salihu Lukman.
Meanwhile, Baba-Ahmed’s presence carries political weight, following his exit as adviser to Vice President Kashim Shettima in April 2025.
PRP Declares Support As ADC Faces Internal Splits
Although no official communiqué followed the meeting, insiders disclosed that the PRP openly backed the ADC leadership amid its dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“The PRP expressed strong solidarity with the ADC regarding its ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
“The party unequivocally condemned the assaults and anti-democratic actions being directed at the ADC.”
The development positions the PRP as the first opposition party to publicly align with the embattled ADC leadership.
In response, David Mark welcomed the backing, describing it as a significant political gesture.
“The ADC also expressed hope that the positive relationship between the two parties will remain harmonious.”
“We will continue to prioritise the collective interests of the nation.”
But with the fate of ADC still hanging in the courts, it’s been speculated that the two leaders may have discussed a possible pivot of the coalition to the PRP, if ADC is unable to legally present candidates.
Factional Battles And INEC Decision Fuel Crisis
Meanwhile, the ADC crisis has intensified following the emergence of a third faction within the party.
The group endorsed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw recognition from Mark’s leadership.
At a press briefing, the faction said the move aligned with a Court of Appeal judgment.
“The decision is in line with a Court of Appeal judgment.”
The faction also rejected the leadership of Nafiu Bala Gombe, questioning the legitimacy of his emergence.
“He did not emerge through any credible or known process.”
Furthermore, it accused former chairman Ralph Nwosu of attempting to hand over party control to outsiders.
“The structure is being handed over to non-members allegedly aligned with Mark.”
The group said it convened a valid NEC meeting in Abuja, where it adopted a new leadership structure.
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