Reno Omokri Criticizes David Mark Over ADC Leadership Contest with Nafiu Bala

Abuja, Nigeria – Social commentator Reno Omokri has faulted former Senate President David Mark over his involvement in an ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is reportedly contesting the party’s chairmanship against Nafiu Bala of Gombe.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a day before Mark’s 78th birthday, Omokri questioned the appropriateness of the former Senate President engaging in a leadership struggle with a much younger political actor.

Omokri drew attention to the significant age difference between both individuals, noting that David Mark, born on April 8, 1948, began his political career decades ago, receiving his first appointment in 1976 as Chairman of the Abandoned Properties Implementation Committee. He added that at that time, Bala’s family background placed him far from political activity.

He further argued that when Mark served as Communications Minister in 1987, Nafiu Bala had not yet been born, emphasizing that Bala, currently 35 years old, is also younger than Mark’s daughter, who is 50.

According to Omokri, the internal crisis within the ADC reflects a failure of leadership, particularly among senior figures who, instead of acting as stabilizing forces, are themselves central to the dispute.

He stated that the party’s traditional conflict-resolution structures, including its Board of Trustees, are ineffective because they are composed of individuals who are also participants in the power struggle.

Omokri maintained that the absence of neutral and authoritative mediators has worsened the situation, leaving the party without an internal mechanism capable of resolving the disagreement.

He also absolved the Federal Government, the Presidency, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of responsibility, insisting that the issues within the ADC stem from internal leadership challenges. His remarks come amid INEC’s recent decision to suspend official communication with the party pending a court ruling, a move the faction aligned with David Mark has described as a form of derecognition of its leadership.