Crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after a much-publicised convention by a faction of the party failed to hold in Abuja, leaving the venue completely deserted.
The convention, organised by the faction loyal to Nafiu Bala, was scheduled to take place at the National Stadium.
However, at the expected time of commencement, there was no sign of activity at the venue.
A television reporter who monitored the situation described an empty scene.
According to the live report, “We are live at the national stadium in Abuja where the Nafiu-Bala-led faction of ADC is expected to hold their national convention.”
“Now as you can see, the venue is empty. There is nobody here. No preparation ongoing. No delegate, no party members. The whole place is empty. Everywhere is empty. The velodrome is locked.”
The development has further exposed the deepening crisis within the ADC. The party has been engulfed in a leadership battle between Bala’s camp and another faction backed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Both sides have laid claim to the leadership of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The division has resulted in parallel conventions and conflicting decisions.
Bala had earlier rejected the convention organised by the Mark-led faction. He described that gathering as invalid and contrary to a subsisting court judgment. He insisted that any action taken outside the ruling of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 12, 2026, would not stand.
“The noticeable absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission from the convention strongly indicates that the process lacks official recognition and cannot stand judicial scrutiny as to its legitimacy,” Bala had said.
He also accused the rival faction of breaching the party’s constitution. He alleged that there were attempts to illegally restructure the party and even forge documents in his name.
Bala maintained that his faction remains the lawful leadership of the ADC. He argued that the opposing group lacks the authority to organise any convention or take binding decisions on behalf of the party.
The crisis has already moved to the courts. The case is said to be before Justice Emeka Nwite, following the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Bala as acting national chairman.
As of the time this report was filed, there was no official statement from Bala’s faction explaining why the convention failed to hold. The absence of delegates and preparations has raised fresh concerns about the strength of the faction and the future of the planned gathering.
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