The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly rejected the claim by its former Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, who declared himself as the party’s interim national chairman.
Bala, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, had accused the David Mark-led interim leadership of hijacking the party in violation of the ADC constitution. He described the development as a “political melodrama” and vowed to challenge the alleged takeover in court.
“We are all living witnesses to the show of shame and acts of lawlessness by these unscrupulous leaders,” Bala said. “This surrender and capitulation to outsiders is without precedent. If they continue to defy our constitution, we will meet them in court.”
Citing what he called a vacuum in the party’s leadership, Bala claimed the constitutional right to assume the role of interim national chairman and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him.
However, the ADC swiftly dismissed Bala’s claim, pointing to his voluntary resignation from the party’s National Working Committee months ago.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, Bala formally resigned on May 17, 2025, with effect from May 26, in a letter addressed to the national chairman and titled: “Letter of Resignation as Deputy National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”
In the letter, Bala stated:
“My resignation is to make way for smooth and effective coalition and restructuring. My resignation does not mean I am abandoning the party, so I would be ready to serve in any other capacity I may be called upon.”
The ADC insists that the resignation disqualifies Bala from laying any legitimate claim to the leadership of the party.
