Empty Venue as Bala-led ADC Faction Fails to Hold Scheduled Convention

A scheduled national convention organised by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala did not take place on Tuesday in Abuja, as the venue remained empty at the appointed time.

The event was billed to hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, but there were no signs of delegates, party officials, or logistical arrangements when proceedings were expected to begin. Reports from the scene described a locked facility and an absence of any visible activity.

A live broadcast monitored by SK Blog showed an inactive venue, with no indication that preparations had been made for the gathering.

The failed convention underscores an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, where rival groups are contesting control of the party ahead of the 2027 general election cycle. Bala’s faction had fixed April 21, 2026, for its convention, shortly after a separate exercise conducted on April 14 by another group aligned with David Mark.

Bala had earlier rejected the parallel convention, describing it as invalid and lacking legal backing. He cited the absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as evidence that the process did not meet regulatory standards.

He also accused the opposing faction of violating party rules and presenting forged documents, while maintaining that his group represents the legitimate leadership of the ADC.

INEC, however, has declined to recognise either faction. In a statement issued earlier in April, the commission said it received conflicting submissions from both sides and would maintain neutrality in line with a court directive. The dispute is currently before Emeka Nwite.

As of the time of reporting, Bala’s faction had not provided an official explanation for the absence of activity at the convention venue, leaving uncertainty over the status of the planned event and the party’s leadership structure.