Dare Babalola
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from a recent press statement issued by some state chairmen opposing the leadership of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark.
In a press release signed on Wednesday by the FCT Publicity Secretary, Nwigbo Chukwudi Samuel, the chapter called for calm, restraint, and renewed commitment to internal unity.
The chapter clarified that it does not align with the position of the dissenting chairmen and reaffirmed its support for the Mark-led NWC, describing it as the legitimate leadership of the party.
According to the statement, while the FCT chapter acknowledges the democratic right of party members and leaders to align and realign during political processes, such actions must be carried out within the confines of the law and in the collective interest of Nigerians and the party.
“The decision of the chairmen not to recognize the authentic David Mark-led NWC of ADC, no matter how well intended, will only further exacerbate the already tense atmosphere within the party,” the statement read.
“We, therefore, in the interest of all, call on them to immediately retreat from such pursuit and rather join forces to strengthen the party ahead of the general election.”
The FCT chapter emphasized that it stands firmly behind the current NWC leadership and urged other members to do the same in the interest of peace and progress within the party.
It warned that internal divisions could weaken the party’s cohesion and overall electoral prospects.
“A house divided against itself, they say, will never stand,” the statement added, stressing the need for unity among members to achieve shared political goals.
The chapter further advised aggrieved members to avoid resorting to litigation, which it described as counterproductive and capable of creating divisions that opposition forces could exploit to destabilize the party.
Instead, it encouraged the use of internal dispute resolution mechanisms provided within the party structure.
“We urge members to explore all available dispute resolution mechanisms within the party and seek redress. Our collective interest far outweighs individual quests. If ADC succeeds, we all succeed,” the statement noted.
In addition, the FCT chapter called on the party’s leadership at all levels to intervene urgently and de-escalate the growing tensions, warning that failure to act promptly could deepen internal cracks.
It also expressed optimism about the party’s future, stating its determination to work towards electoral success in the forthcoming general elections and ultimately unseat the current administration.
“Surely, ADC will succeed and unseat this government that has brought our country to ruins,” the statement concluded, while extending what it described as a “handshake of love” to all members in the spirit of unity and togetherness.
