A fresh wave of leadership crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a dramatic declaration by Nafiu Bala, the party’s former Gombe State governorship candidate, who now claims to be the Interim National Chairman.
Bala, who previously served as Deputy National Chairman (North), announced his self-appointment in defiance of the recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that installed former Senate President David Mark as Interim Chairman and ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola as Interim Secretary.
In a bold statement, Bala accused the party's current leadership of breaching the ADC constitution and “handing over the party to outsiders” without due process. He cited his position as Deputy Chairman and claimed that the NEC's decisions were null and void, lacking constitutional legitimacy.
“The constitution of our party does not permit external hijack or the sidelining of foundational members. I, therefore, assume the role of Interim National Chairman, pending proper internal restructuring,” Bala declared.
He also issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the commission to disregard the David Mark-led caretaker structure and recognise his own authority. Bala vowed to seek legal redress if what he described as "illegality and external interference" persists.
This development adds another layer of chaos to the internal wrangling rocking the ADC, a party already reeling from a wave of high-profile defections, conflicting interest groups, and mounting tensions over the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say this internal strife could further weaken the ADC’s credibility and threaten its chances of gaining national relevance as the 2027 polls approach.
Efforts to reach the David Mark-led leadership for comments on Bala’s declaration proved abortive as of press time.