The planned national convention of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala failed to take place on Tuesday, as the designated venue showed no signs of activity.
The event was scheduled for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, but the complex remained deserted at the expected start time, with no delegates, party officials or event staff present. Blueprint.ng learnt that there were no visible preparations at the venue, while major sections of the facility, including the velodrome, were locked.
The no-show at the stadium marks the latest twist in a protracted leadership dispute within the ADC, where rival camps led by Bala and former Senate President David Mark have been contesting control of the party. The dispute has escalated in recent weeks with competing attempts to hold national conventions and secure official recognition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bala’s faction had fixed April 21, 2026, for the convention after rejecting a separate convention held by the opposing faction on April 14, which it described as a breach of an existing court order. Bala has also questioned the legitimacy of the April 14 gathering, noting the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a factor he argued undermined any claim to official endorsement.
The matter is now before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, following INEC’s refusal to recognise Bala as acting national chairman. The court proceedings are expected to be central to determining which group will be acknowledged as the legitimate leadership of the ADC for registration and electoral purposes.
Analysts say the leadership tussle threatens to weaken the party’s organisational readiness and could complicate candidate selection and registration processes with INEC as the 2027 polls approach. For a smaller party like the ADC, sustained internal divisions may also affect its ability to project unity to voters and potential allies.
As of press time, Bala’s faction had yet to provide any explanation for the absence of activities at the convention venue. There was likewise no immediate official reaction from the camp aligned with David Mark regarding Tuesday’s developments.
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, one of the country’s principal sporting complexes and a regular venue for large political and social gatherings, remained largely inactive throughout the day, its locked gates underscoring the uncertainty within the ADC as the party’s leadership crisis deepens.
