The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Thursday as the Nafiu Bala–led faction of the party announced the suspension of 15 prominent members, including former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, over alleged anti-party activities.

The six-month suspension, approved at a regular meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja, also affected Balarabe Rufai, Ibrahim Mani, Dr Bamidele Ajadi, Dr Chike Okogwu, Anayo Arinze, Kenneth Gbandi, Said Abdullahi, Ms Hauwa Musa, Nkem Ukandu, Peters Oyewole, Dr Peter Edeh, Prince Festus Igbinoba and Razak Eyiwuawi.

In a statement, Bala accused the affected members of actions capable of undermining party cohesion, stability and the efficient conduct of party affairs.

According to him, the NWC observed that some party members had engaged in anti-party activities with coalition elements, creating disaffection within the party and disrupting peaceful coexistence among members.

“As a result, the NWC has collectively approved the suspension of the following members for six months, pursuant to Article 15(a) of the party’s constitution,” the statement said.

The factional leadership also disowned ongoing congresses allegedly being organised by some members across states of the federation, declaring them illegal.

“The NWC has noted that certain unauthorised individuals are organising special ward, local government and state congresses, claiming to act on behalf of the party. The NWC declares these congresses null, void and of no effect whatsoever,” it said, urging party members and the public to disregard their outcomes.

Beyond the suspensions, the NWC announced a number of appointments aimed at strengthening party administration. Among them is Kogi State federal lawmaker, Leke Abejide, who was named Chairman of the Board of Patrons, based on his status as a ranking elected official of the party.

Other appointments include Bala Sani as Chief of Staff to the National Chairman; Abimiku Monday as Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; Muhammad Aboki as Director of Youth Mobilisation; Bello Shehu as Director of Finance; and Rabiu Mohammed as Administrative Secretary.

“All appointees are to assume duties immediately and are expected to collect their appointment letters and further instructions at the party’s national headquarters,” the statement added.

The NWC also constituted a four-man committee to conduct the Osun State governorship primary election, with Dr Rufus Ikanmi as chairman, Henry Moses as secretary, and Muhammad Ibrahim and Alhaji Ibrahim Saleh Katagum as members.

Reiterating its stance on party discipline, the leadership stressed that all official announcements regarding party congresses would be made only through authorised ADC communication channels.

Abejide’s appointment has further complicated the festering leadership tussle within the party. It came barely two weeks after a rival faction led by former Senate President, David Mark, ratified his expulsion from the ADC.

The Mark-led faction had earlier endorsed a decision by the Kogi State chapter of the party to expel Abejide over alleged acts of indiscipline and subsequently wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, seeking the declaration of his seat vacant.

The latest round of suspensions and counter-appointments highlights the deepening factional struggle within the ADC, raising fresh questions over authority and legitimacy as the party heads towards future elections.