Former senator Ishaku Abbo has traced the ongoing leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to what he described as a breach of internal agreements during the party’s recent restructuring.
In a detailed account, Abbo said the crisis began after the party’s former Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, and the entire National Working Committee (NWC) stepped down to allow a new leadership team led by David Mark to take over.
According to him, part of the agreement reached during the transition was to allocate key party positions across geopolitical zones to accommodate members of the legacy structure. He noted that in the North-East, Nafiu Bala was to assume the position of National Vice Chairman, a role he described as a compromise from his previous office.
Disputed Appointment Sparks Fallout
Abbo alleged that the agreement was later disregarded by the new leadership, which instead appointed Babachir David Lawal as National Vice Chairman for the North-East.
He claimed the decision triggered discontent, particularly after Bala was reportedly offered a lesser position as Zonal Financial Secretary, which he rejected.
The former lawmaker said the development marked the turning point in the crisis, leading to internal resistance and legal disputes that have since escalated within the party.
Allegations of External Interference
Abbo further alleged that some political actors outside the ADC may have influenced the crisis, claiming that certain individuals mobilised legal action and institutional pressure against the party.
He also criticised the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of actions that could deepen the dispute.
Calling for de-escalation, Abbo urged Nafiu Bala to withdraw ongoing legal action and support efforts to stabilise the party.
He warned that the prolonged crisis could undermine internal democracy and weaken opposition politics if not urgently resolved.
