The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, has declared the convention led by David Mark as “null and void.”
The Editor Nigeria earlier reported that the convention was held on April 14 in Abuja.
Bala made this known on Friday during a press briefing in the nation’s capital. He appeared alongside Leke Abejide, a serving lawmaker and party chieftain.
They both rejected the outcome of the gathering. They described it as a direct violation of existing court rulings.
According to Bala, the convention lacked legal backing. He said it went against the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 12, 2026.
“Any action taken in flagrant disregard of the Court of Appeal judgment delivered on 12th March 2026 is not only of questionable legality but is liable to be declared null and void,” he said.
He also pointed to the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, at the event. He said this showed the process had no official recognition.
“The noticeable absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the convention strongly indicates that the process lacks official recognition and cannot stand judicial scrutiny as to its legitimacy,” Bala said.
Bala further accused the Mark-led group of disregarding the party’s constitution. He described their actions as lawless and unacceptable.
He added that the matter is already before a Federal High Court. The case is being handled by Emeka Nwite. He said going ahead with the convention while the case is pending amounts to contempt.
The ADC chieftain also raised allegations of forgery. He claimed there were attempts to use a document carrying his forged signature. He said the intention was to damage his reputation.
Bala distanced himself and his faction from all decisions taken at the convention. He insisted that those behind the gathering are not recognised members of the party.
“As far as the duly constituted and legitimate leadership of the party is concerned, the coalition group are not members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” he said.
“Consequently, they lack the requisite locus standi to convene or conduct any congress or convention, and any resolution or decision emanating from such gatherings are devoid of legal effect.”
The crisis deepened as Abejide also took a swipe at the organisers of the convention.
He described the exercise as illegal and unconstitutional. He said it was carried out in defiance of court orders.
“We want to let the public know that the suya convention that ADC coalition held on 14th of April 2026 at event centre in Abuja is null and void,” he said.
“There is an existing court order from a Federal High Court and the Supreme Court respectively that they should not do anything pending the determination of the case in court.”
Abejide criticised the faction loyal to Mark. He said they do not represent progressive politics. He accused them of being responsible for internal crises in other parties.
He also defended his position within ADC. He said his loyalty to the party dates back to the grassroots level.
“I nurtured ADC into recognition, having two House of Representatives members in the 2023 general elections,” he said.
“My political vision and ideology are far from merchandise but propelled by genuine love for the people and national development.”
