ADC Crisis: Nwosu Defends David Mark’s Emergence, Says State Chairmen Were Fully Involved

Ralph Nwosu, the former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress ADC has defended the process that led to the emergence of Senator David Mark as party chairman, while party figure Nafiu Bala Gombe launched a scathing attack on Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking to Arise TV on Wednesday, Nwosu insisted that those currently raising objections were fully involved in the processes that produced the party’s current leadership.

“All the State Chairmen were present on July 2nd at Yar’Adua Centre, clapping. When they wrote to INEC that they wanted to come back to ADC, INEC organised what we call Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR and from there, we decided to reabsorb them into the Party. All the programmes that took place in 2024 and 2025, culminating in David Mark being the Chairman of the Party, were part of it. On the 29th of July 2025, when we called an NEC to select a new leadership, our agenda was clear to INEC, and they were all present.”

He also took a swipe at sections of the media, urging them to uphold their responsibility as custodians of accurate information.

Meanwhile, Nafiu Bala Gombe dismissed claims that he is 35 years old, clarifying that he is 46, and criticised former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for what he described as misinformation and unwarranted interference.

“Even if I were younger, he has no right to look down on me,” Bala Gombe said, arguing that many of Nigeria’s prominent leaders assumed public office at relatively young ages.

He went further to call on older politicians to step aside and allow younger individuals to take leadership roles, suggesting they should instead serve as advisers.

In a more direct accusation, Bala Gombe labelled Kwankwaso an “APC mole,” alleging that the former Kano governor undermined collective political efforts during the 2023 elections. He recalled that northern leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, had urged Kwankwaso to step down for the sake of regional unity, but he declined.

Bala Gombe argued that Kwankwaso’s actions at the time undermined his moral authority to comment on current party disputes. He also maintained that Kwankwaso is not a recognised member of the ADC and therefore lacks the standing to intervene in its internal matters.

“He should join through the proper channel and study the party constitution if he wants to be involved,” Bala Gombe said, adding firmly, “I cannot be bullied by anyone.”