A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected claims by former Senate President David Mark and his associates to the party’s leadership, insisting that only bona fide members can hold key positions.
The clarification follows the recent resignation of Chief Ralph Nwosu as National Chairman, which the party says triggered a constitutional process to appoint a new leader.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by Dr. Aminu Sani Alhassan, Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to the Interim National Chairman Nafiu Bala, the faction warned against external interference in the party’s affairs.
“In light of Chief Ralph Nwosu’s resignation, certain individuals, including David Mark, have tried to make false leadership claims. This is against our party constitution,” the statement said.
The group highlighted that the ADC constitution requires anyone seeking leadership to first be a registered and active member of the party, adding that David Mark does not meet this requirement.
The statement also stressed that the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) remains the only legal body empowered to elect a new national chairman.
“This is not a free-for-all situation. Leadership must come through a democratic and constitutional process. Our NEC will meet to deliberate and determine the way forward, and any new leadership will be ratified through the proper channels,” the statement read.
It also called on members to remain calm, united, and focused on the party’s values of integrity, accountability, and democracy.
The faction reaffirmed Alhaji Nafiu Bala as the legitimate Interim National Chairman of the ADC and expressed confidence in his leadership during this transition.
The group further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to monitor the process and uphold the principles of constitutionalism and internal democracy within political parties.
“This party will not allow itself to be hijacked. We trust INEC to do the right thing, and we urge our members to continue believing in the process,” it concluded.