ADC faction expels Bala, Abejide, others over alleged anti-party activities

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Senate President, David Mark, has expelled several prominent members of the party, including factional national chairman Nafiu Bala and House of Representatives member Leke Abejide, over alleged anti-party activities.

The expulsions were announced on Tuesday during the party’s national convention held in Abuja, where delegates adopted a motion calling for the immediate removal of the affected members.

Other party figures affected by the decision include former deputy national chairman Kenneth Ehiator, Stella Chukwu and Elias Adiukwu.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by Senator Binos Yaroe and was quickly seconded and approved by delegates at the convention.

Party officials said the decision followed allegations that the affected members engaged in activities considered harmful to the unity and progress of the party, amid a deepening leadership crisis that has split the ADC into rival factions.

The development comes as the party continues to grapple with internal disputes over control of its national structure, with competing claims to leadership between factions aligned with Mark and other stakeholders.

“So for hearing of the matter, whether or not leadership question is justiciable, that’s all that we have to hear,” counsel to the faction, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), said, adding that further steps would depend on the court’s ruling.

The convention also took place against the backdrop of ongoing legal battles at the Supreme Court over the party’s leadership tussle, with an accelerated hearing already granted for appeals related to the dispute.