Nafiu Bala, factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has confirmed that he attended the party’s July 2025 event where an interim leadership led by Senator David Mark was unveiled.
However, Bala insisted that the proceedings lacked the consent of party members and should not be seen as an endorsement.
The confirmation comes amid videos circulating online showing Bala at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during the event.
The ADC has been embroiled in internal disputes since July 2025, when a coalition group assumed control of the party, with both Bala and the Mark-led group claiming leadership.
The crisis prompted legal battles, leading the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of both factions, citing a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.
Bala explained that the July 2, 2025 meeting was originally convened to adopt the ADC as a platform for coalition partners, not to announce new party leaders.
“Contrary to expectations, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then national chairman, delivered a surprise resignation, issued membership cards to Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and declared them acting national chairman and national secretary,” Bala said.
He argued that these actions violated the party’s constitution, which does not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint successors without formal voting or consensus.
Several members of the National Working Committee were reportedly taken aback by the sudden appointments.
Bala emphasized that his attendance and prior discussions with coalition partners should not be interpreted as approval of the leadership changes.
Videos show him seated alongside party stakeholders, including actor Kenneth Okonkwo, during the event.
He further revealed that the then national secretary, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, resigned shortly after the announcement, highlighting the lack of communication with party leadership.
