ABUJA — Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including its embattled National Chairman David Mark, have declared that President Bola Tinubu will face a stiff challenge in the 2027 general elections, citing growing public dissatisfaction over economic hardship and insecurity.
Speaking at the party’s national convention themed “So That Nigeria May Work,” held Tuesday in Abuja, Mark, alongside Rauf Aregbesola and other party leaders, criticised the current administration, arguing that Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented levels of hardship.
Mark said the worsening cost of living and insecurity have deepened suffering among citizens, warning that the electorate may respond at the polls if conditions do not improve.
Other prominent figures at the convention, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as well as former governors Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, echoed similar concerns. They described the security situation as deteriorating and alleged that poverty levels have significantly increased under the current administration.
However, the convention was overshadowed by internal divisions within the party. A rival faction led by Nafiu Bala rejected the Abuja gathering, announcing plans to organise a separate convention following a pending Supreme Court judgment.
The leadership dispute within the ADC has intensified in recent months. On April 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the delisting of key figures, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its official register. The electoral body said the move was in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case at the trial court.
The crisis dates back to 2025, when Mark’s faction constituted a new National Working Committee, a move contested by other groups within the party. The disagreement itself stems from disputes over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022.
While Nwosu was reported to have supported a transition plan extending to 2025, his deputy, Nafiu Gombe, maintained that he should have assumed office as acting chairman following Nwosu’s exit, further deepening divisions within the party.
Despite the internal rift, ADC leaders at the Abuja convention insisted that the party remains committed to presenting a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.