Tension in ADC as ex-Gombe guber candidate Nafiu Bala declares self party chairmanship

A fresh leadership crisis is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently adopted as the official platform of Nigeria’s opposition coalition, as Gombe-born politician Nafiu Bala has declared himself the party’s Interim National Chairman.

Bala, who contested the 2023 Gombe State governorship election on the ADC platform, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, citing his status as the party’s duly elected National Deputy Chairman.

His declaration directly challenges the authority of former Senate President David Mark, who was appointed interim national chairman by the opposition bloc after it aligned with the ADC.

The development raises concerns over internal rifts and possible instability within the opposition’s newly formed political front.

Addressing journalists, Bala accused unnamed former party leaders of undermining the ADC’s internal structure by surrendering its control to “powerful outsiders” who have no legitimate connection to the party.

“I, Honourable Nafiu Bala, a bonafide member and a duly elected National Deputy Chairman of our great party, wish to draw the attention of members and Nigerians at large to the ongoing acts of political hooliganism being perpetrated by individuals entrusted with the party’s leadership,” he stated.

Bala described recent developments in the party as a “shoddily rehearsed political melodrama” in which “elected roles were switched with political strangers” in a bid to forcefully hand over ADC’s structure. He warned that this action amounted to a complete disregard for the party’s constitution.

While reaffirming his resolve to restore constitutional order and internal democracy, Bala appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the rightful interim leader of the party.

“In accordance with the laid-down provisions of our constitution, and by virtue of my position as National Deputy Chairman, I hereby assume the role of Interim National Chairman of our great party, the African Democratic Congress,” he declared.

Bala vowed to challenge any continued disregard for party laws in court and cautioned those involved in the crisis to retrace their steps or face legal consequences.

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His statement has amplified tensions within the ADC and cast doubts over the stability of the opposition alliance heading into the 2027 general elections.