By Our Correspondent

National News – A fresh leadership crisis has hit the African Democratic Congress as the Nafiu Bala-led faction directed the immediate suspension of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction insisted the process should stop pending the outcome of an ongoing suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The directive was announced on Friday by the Secretary of the party’s Board of Trustees, Rufus Akanmi, after a BoT meeting held in Abuja.

According to him, aspirants purchasing nomination forms despite the warning would do so at their own risk because the party would not accept responsibility for any consequences.

The dispute involves the Bala faction and the leadership bloc associated with former Senate President David Mark.

The disagreement centers on control of the party structure, nomination processes and preparations for the 2027 elections.

Akanmi also praised the April 30, 2026 Supreme Court judgment on the ADC leadership tussle, describing it as a major boost for constitutional democracy and internal party discipline.

He urged members of both factions to work together to strengthen the party and ensure credible participation in future elections.

The BoT further directed the National Working Committee to establish caretaker committees in states where executives’ tenures had expired.

It also called for a mini national convention to fill vacant party offices following recent resignations within the NWC.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the leadership suit indefinitely after counsel to the plaintiff requested the transfer of the case to another judge.

Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that all parties must first be heard before any action could be taken on the request sent to the Chief Judge.

Defence lawyers opposed the move, accusing the plaintiff of attempting to delay the accelerated hearing earlier upheld by the Supreme Court.

The matter was eventually adjourned sine die pending further directives.