The faction of the African Democratic Congress loyal to Nafiu Bala, on Thursday, warned a former minister of sports and spokesperson of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi against parading himself as the spokesperson of the party.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs in the office of the factional chairman’s office, Dr. Christopher O. Okechukwu, the party said Abdullahi’s claim to the role was misleading, unauthorised, and a violation of established party protocols.
The party further urged Abdullahi to desist immediately from using the ADC’s name and title without proper authorisation, warning that such actions compromise the integrity of its leadership.
Okechukwu said: “The ADC finds it imperative to address a matter of significant concern regarding the representation of our esteemed party. It has come to our attention that Malam Bolaji Abdullahi has been presenting himself as the Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson of the ADC.
“This assertion is not only misleading but also a violation of the established protocols that govern the appointment of individuals to such critical positions within our party. The ADC is committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
“To this end, the eligibility criteria for the position of Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson are explicitly defined, and adherence to these criteria is non-negotiable. These requirements include:
“The individual must be a registered and active member of the ADC. This ensures that the spokesperson is not only familiar with the party’s values and mission but also actively engaged in its activities.
“The candidate must obtain a nomination form and secure nominations from at least three party members across the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This process is essential for fostering inclusiveness and ensuring that the voice of the party is representative of its diverse membership.
“The individual must be elected to the position at the Party’s National Convention. This democratic process is designed to uphold the integrity of the party’s leadership and ensure that those who represent us have the mandate of the members.
“In light of these criteria, it is clear that Malam Bolaji Abdullahi does not meet the necessary requirements to serve as the Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson of the ADC. His continued self-identification in this capacity is not only unauthorised but also undermines the credibility of our party. Therefore, we urge Malam Abdullahi to cease and desist from using the ADC’s name and title without proper authorisation immediately.”
The statement also called on media organisations and journalists to exercise caution in their reporting by refraining from recognising Abdullahi as an official spokesperson of the ADC.
He added, “We call upon media houses and journalists to exercise due diligence in their reporting. It is crucial that they refrain from recognising Malam Bolaji Abdullahi as an official spokesperson of the ADC. By doing so, media outlets will contribute to maintaining the accuracy, authenticity, and reliability of their reporting, which is vital for public trust and informed discourse.
“The ADC is dedicated to preserving the integrity and credibility of its representation. We believe that only authorised individuals should speak on behalf of the party, ensuring that our message is consistent and aligned with the values we uphold. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders in this matter.”
The party also reiterates its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law within our party. “We will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability in all our dealings. The ADC remains focused on its mission to serve the Nigerian people and promote the ideals of good governance.”
The ADC crisis deepened on Wednesday when Bala resumed at the headquarters of the ADC as chairman on Wednesday.
Abdullahi had since declared Bala a charlatan.
