The internal leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday following the announcement by the Nafiu Bala–led faction that it had suspended 15 senior members of the party, including former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party conduct.
The six-month suspension affects Nwosu, Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, Dr Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Ms Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba and Razak Eyiwuawi.
The decision was reached at a regular meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), according to a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Bashiru Mohammed, Special Adviser on Public Communications to Abejide.
Providing reasons for the action, the factional National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, alleged that the suspended members were involved in activities that threatened the unity, stability and smooth administration of the party.
According to him, “The NWC has observed that some party members have engaged in anti-party activities with coalition members, causing disaffection among party members and disrupting the peaceful coexistence of party faithful and the efficient conduct of party business.
“As a result, the NWC has collectively approved the suspension of the following members for six (6) months, pursuant to Article 15(a) of the party constitution.”
The Bala-led NWC also rejected the legitimacy of ongoing congresses reportedly being organised by some members in different states, declaring such exercises illegal and unauthorised.
“The NWC has noted that certain unauthorised individuals are organising special ward, local government and state congresses, claiming to act on behalf of the party,” the statement read.
“The NWC hereby declares these congresses null, void and of no effect whatsoever. All party members and the general public are directed to ignore and discard the proceedings and outcomes of these unauthorised congresses.”
In addition to the suspensions, the NWC announced several appointments, which it said were intended to reinforce the party’s administrative framework and internal coordination.
Chief among the appointments is the selection of a federal lawmaker from Kogi State, Hon. Leke Abejide, as Chairman of the Board of Patrons, a role the party said he assumed based on his standing as a ranking elected official of the ADC.
Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman; Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation; Bello Shehu as Director of Finance; and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary.
These developments have further intensified tensions within the party, with opposing factions continuing to assert legitimacy amid an ongoing struggle for control of the ADC.
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