Oyo Governor Explains Visit to David Mark's ADC Faction

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has clarified that the reason behind his visit on Wednesday to a factional chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, was to confer on strategies for the continued flourishing of democracy within Nigeria's political landscape. Governor Makinde, who is a sitting governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also indicated that the visit served to demonstrate support for Mr. Mark's faction during its current leadership challenges.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting at Mr. Mark's Abuja residence, Governor Makinde explained the purpose of the visit. "We came here to visit the leadership of ADC. We're on a solidarity visit. We've seen what has been happening within the political space, the court and the protest today. We came to show solidarity and to commit to a clean democratic space in our country," he stated.

This meeting followed a protest by Mr. Mark's faction of the ADC at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters concerning the party's internal conflicts. PREMIUM TIMES had previously reported on Mr. Mark hosting Mr. Makinde and PDP executives, including Kabiru Turaki, at his residence.

Key figures from various opposition parties were reportedly present at the gathering. These included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, Senator Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto South, and the faction’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, were also noted to be in attendance.

From the PDP side, attendees alongside Messrs Makinde and Turaki were the faction’s National Secretary, Taofeeq Arapaja, and its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong.

ADC's Internal Strife

The ADC is presently experiencing a division into two primary factions, with one led by Mr. Mark and the other by Nafiu Bala. Rauf Aregbesola, formerly a governor and the Minister of Interior, serves as the national secretary for Mr. Mark's faction. This group also reportedly enjoys support from prominent opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Last Wednesday, INEC announced it would no longer recognize Mr. Mark's leadership of the party. This decision was prompted by a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing legal proceedings, which directed all factions to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a substantive lawsuit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In response to INEC's stance, Mr. Mark's leadership called for the immediate resignation of the INEC Chairperson, Joash Amupitan. They accused the electoral commission of undermining democracy and interfering in the internal affairs of political parties.