The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, as Nafiu Bala formally declared himself National Chairman of the party after resuming at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Findings by Jungle-Journalist.Com show that Bala, until recently the Deputy National Chairman, took over leadership following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu, citing the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 which empowers him to assume office.
Speaking at the ADC headquarters, Bala dismissed the appointment of former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman by an opposition coalition, describing it as an “unconstitutional attempt to hijack the ADC.”
“I have resumed office as the National Chairman of the ADC in line with the constitution. The law is clear — once the chairman resigns, the deputy takes over. No external coalition can dictate leadership to our party,” Bala declared.
The crisis further deepened as Bala’s camp moved to silence Bolaji Abdullahi, former Minister of Sports, who has been parading himself as ADC’s Publicity Secretary and spokesperson.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Dr. Christopher O. Okechukwu, Director of Media and Public Affairs, the Bala faction warned Abdullahi to desist immediately, insisting he has no constitutional mandate to speak for the party.
“The position of Publicity Secretary is not automatic. It requires nomination across the 36 states and FCT, active membership, and formal election at a national convention. By these criteria, Bolaji Abdullahi is not qualified. His claims are misleading and unauthorised,” Okechukwu said.
The statement also urged media houses and journalists not to recognise Abdullahi as ADC spokesperson, warning that doing so undermines the integrity of the party.
Meanwhile, Bala’s emergence has won the backing of the ADC North-East caucus, which described his takeover as a “constitutional transition” and called for unity. But rival factions in Gombe and Abuja have continued to reject his authority, with one bloc endorsing David Mark.
Bala, however, remains defiant. He dismissed reports of his alleged expulsion as “fake and illegal,” stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been notified of his chairmanship.
“I am in control of the ADC structures. We will not allow political hooliganism or external hijack. The ADC remains committed to internal democracy and the service of Nigerians,” he vowed.
Political analysts warn that unless resolved, the tussle could weaken the ADC as a viable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections. For now, Bala has resumed office at the ADC headquarters, standing firm as National Chairman — and warning Abdullahi to stop parading as party spokesman.
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