By Rafiyat Sadiq
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing fresh internal turmoil following the declaration by Nafi’u Bala, a former governorship candidate in Gombe State and ex-National Deputy Chairman of the party, as the interim National Chairman.
At a press briefing held Wednesday night in Abuja, Bala faulted the recent handover of party leadership to former Senate President David Mark, describing it as unconstitutional and planned by outsiders.
He vowed to challenge the move in court.
“We wish to draw the attention of our members and Nigerians to the ongoing political hooliganism being perpetrated by individuals who were entrusted with our party’s leadership,” Bala stated.
Bala accused the Ralph Nwosu-led transition of surrendering the party’s structures to external political actors who, according to him, lack legitimate ties to the ADC. He described the process as a “shameful political takeover” that undermines internal democracy and violates the party’s constitution.
READ ALSO: Aregbesola: ADC Will Unseat APC in 2027 if Opposition Unites
He said, “In the history of democracy worldwide, no leader or group has the power to arbitrarily hand over elected mandates or political authority to outsiders. It is a violation of due process and a betrayal of our founding principles.”
The crisis follows the July 2 declaration by Ralph Nwosu, ADC’s founder and immediate past chairman, who dissolved the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and backed David Mark to lead an interim national leadership. The move came shortly after the ADC was adopted by several key opposition leaders as the coalition platform for the 2027 general elections.
“Only Legitimate Members Can Lead” — Bala
Bala maintained that only elected party officials have the right to control ADC structures and insisted that the leadership transition ignored the proper channels laid out in the party’s constitution. He said the current leadership shift was driven by political expediency and not in the interest of party members.
“As a result of these developments, and in line with our constitution, I have assumed the position of interim National Chairman,” he announced.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the party’s lawful leader and urged members across the country to disregard what he described as “a political melodrama”.
Bala concluded by warning that if the David Mark-led leadership persists in disregarding constitutional procedures, the matter will be taken to court for redress.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
