Nafi’u Bala Declares Himself ADC Interim Chairman, Challenges David Mark’s Leadership.
A dramatic shift in the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unfolded as Nafi’u Bala, a former governorship candidate in Gombe State and the party’s erstwhile national deputy chairman, declared himself the interim national chairman during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday night. Bala’s bold move directly challenges the current interim leadership under former Senate President David Mark, igniting a fresh crisis within the opposition party.
Bala accused the David Mark-led faction of orchestrating an unconstitutional takeover of the ADC, alleging that the party’s structures have been surrendered to “political outsiders” in a move he described as “political hooliganism.” He condemned what he called a “shameful political melodrama,” asserting that the transfer of leadership to external figures, including prominent opposition leaders like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, lacks legal and moral legitimacy. “The idea of mortgaging the future of our great party to powerful outsiders who never belonged to the ADC is condemnable,” Bala stated.
The controversy stems from a coalition agreement announced on 2 July by Chief Ralph Nwosu, the ADC’s founder and former chairman, who revealed the resignation of the National Working Committee (NWC) and endorsed Mark as interim chairman. The coalition, backed by high-profile figures, aims to position the ADC as a formidable platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. However, Bala argues that this arrangement violates the party’s constitution, which he claims clearly outlines the process for leadership succession.
Asserting his legitimacy, Bala, who was the duly elected national deputy chairman, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the rightful interim chairman. He vowed to defend the ADC’s constitutional order through both internal party mechanisms and legal action if necessary. “We shall proceed with gusto to challenge these gross acts of impunity in the courts and bring those responsible to justice,” he declared, accusing the Mark-led leadership of plunging the party into “needless crisis and leadership uncertainty.”
The ADC has seen a surge in prominence since Mark’s appointment, with reports of millions registering as members and widespread public interest. However, Bala’s declaration threatens to fracture the party’s unity at a critical juncture. He warned that the actions of the current leadership risk undermining the ADC’s democratic principles and its ability to present a united front ahead of 2027.
As the leadership tussle intensifies, political analysts suggest that the outcome could reshape the ADC’s role in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. With Bala’s faction gearing up for a legal battle and Mark’s coalition pushing for reforms, the ADC faces a pivotal moment in its quest to become a dominant force in Nigerian politics. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the party can resolve its internal conflicts and maintain its momentum towards the 2027 elections.
