The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as state chairmen of the party issued a scathing condemnation of what they described as an “orchestrated political coup” by a coalition allegedly led by former Senate President, David Mark.

In a strongly-worded statement titled “Rejecting the Political Junta by Defending ADC and Nigeria’s Democracy Against Subversion,” the chairmen, under the aegis of the ADC Forum of State Chairmen, described the unfolding events as a “blatant and reckless subversion” of democratic principles and party integrity.

Signed by forum leader Elias Adokwu and publicity secretary Godwin Alaku, the statement accused the coalition of plotting to unconstitutionally seize control of the party through “manipulation and backdoor dealings.”

“We unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms this desperate power grab, which represents not only an aberration of democratic norms but also a grave assault on our collective political values as a nation,” the chairmen said.

‘Civilian Junta’ and Electoral Worth Questioned

The aggrieved chairmen dismissed the coalition’s move as a self-serving power play rather than any meaningful ideological realignment. Referring to it as a “civilian junta,” they warned that the attempt was an affront to all who have worked for democratic governance in Nigeria.

They alleged that the coalition was attempting to destabilise the ADC through “selfish ambition and extra-party inducements,” and insisted that the party would not serve as a haven for “political mercenaries or ideological impostors.”

“The ADC is not for sale, not for hijack, and certainly not a dumping ground for discredited power brokers,” the chairmen declared.

They further challenged members of the coalition to prove their electoral value and questioned their commitment to the ideological foundation of the party.

Call for INEC and Security Intervention

The chairmen also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reject any attempt to legitimise what they termed an “illegitimate junta.”

“We, the legitimate custodians of the ADC structure across all states of the federation, reject this illegitimate junta. We consider it our patriotic duty to defend the soul of the ADC and protect the sanctity of democratic structures in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

They called on the Nigerian public, civil society organisations, and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and resist any signs of creeping authoritarianism within the democratic system.

ADC Interim Leadership Reacts

In a swift response, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the chairmen’s claims, describing them as a distraction.

“How long shall we continue to respond to non-existent issues? Who are the members of this so-called Forum of State Party Chairmen?” Abdullahi queried.

He urged Nigerians to focus on more pressing national concerns, alleging that those behind the statement were only seeking financial gains.

“There is no issue here that requires a serious response. This is just noise from a group of people who see an opportunity for personal benefit,” he said.

As tensions deepen within the ADC, the development raises fresh concerns about internal party democracy and the broader state of political accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.