The Nafiu Bala-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended 15 prominent members of the party, including its former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party activities, further deepening the leadership crisis within the opposition party.
The six-month suspension was approved at a regular meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and announced in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
Others affected by the decision include Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, Dr Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba and Razak Eyiwuawi.
The factional leadership accused the suspended members of actions capable of undermining party unity, cohesion and internal stability.
According to the statement, the NWC observed that some members had engaged in anti-party activities, including unauthorised dealings with coalition partners, which allegedly caused disaffection among party members and disrupted the smooth conduct of party affairs.
The suspensions, the statement said, were carried out in line with Article 15(a) of the ADC constitution.
The Bala-led NWC also disowned ongoing congresses reportedly being organised in some states, declaring them illegal.
“The NWC has noted that certain unauthorised individuals are organising Ward, Local Government and State Congresses, claiming to act on behalf of the party. These congresses are hereby declared null, void and of no effect,” the statement said, urging party members and the public to disregard such activities.
In addition to the suspensions, the meeting approved several new appointments aimed at strengthening the party’s administration. A Kogi State federal lawmaker, Leke Abejide, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Patrons, citing his status as a ranking elected official of the party.
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.
All appointees were directed to assume duties immediately.
The NWC also constituted a four-member committee to conduct the Osun State governorship primary election, with Dr Rufus Ikanmi as Chairman, Henry Moses as Secretary, and Muhammad Ibrahim and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh Katagum as members.
The appointment of Abejide has further highlighted the factional rift within the ADC, coming barely two weeks after a rival faction led by former Senate President David Mark ratified his expulsion from the party over alleged indiscipline.
The Mark-led faction had earlier endorsed a decision by the ADC’s Kogi State chapter to expel Abejide and requested the House of Representatives to declare his seat vacant.
The latest developments underscore the deepening leadership tussle within the ADC, as rival factions continue to issue conflicting directives, raising questions over authority and legitimacy within the party ahead of future elections.
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