A fresh dimension has emerged in the leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a statement attributed to the party’s lawyer and shared publicly by Dino Melaye.
Melaye, a former lawmaker, took to his personal X handle on April 10, 2026 at about 11:33 pm, to post what he described as the legal position of the ADC’s counsel regarding the ongoing dispute over the party’s leadership structure. The statement referenced proceedings involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and rival claims within the party.
According to the lawyer’s statement shared by Melaye, INEC acknowledged in court that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) produced a leadership led by David Mark. The lawyer further claimed that an opposing figure, Bala Nafiu, failed to provide documentary evidence to counter the position presented in court.
The statement also asserted that INEC did not file any opposition to the claims made by the faction backing the David Mark-led leadership. This, according to the lawyer, reinforces the legitimacy of the NEC’s decision as recognized during the court proceedings.
The ADC has in recent times been embroiled in internal disagreements over its leadership, with different factions laying claim to the party’s structure. The dispute has drawn attention from political observers, particularly as the party seeks to position itself within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Melaye’s post has added to the public discourse surrounding the matter, amplifying the legal arguments being advanced by one faction. However, as of press time, there has been no official response from INEC addressing the specific claims contained in the lawyer’s statement.
Similarly, representatives linked to Bala Nafiu have yet to publicly react to the assertions, leaving questions about the competing claims unresolved. Analysts note that such disputes are not uncommon within political parties, especially during periods of realignment and internal restructuring.
The outcome of the legal process is expected to play a decisive role in determining the recognized leadership of the party. Until then, the ADC’s internal crisis continues to unfold, with stakeholders closely watching developments that may shape its future direction........…