Nafiu Bala Breaks Silence on ADC Deregistration by INEC, Clarifies Role in Crisis

Nafiu Bala Breaks Silence on ADC Deregistration by INEC, Clarifies Role in Crisis

Nafiu Bala, the factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly addressed his involvement in the party's ongoing leadership turmoil for the first time. His statement comes in response to viral videos that surfaced, showing him at the unveiling of an interim leadership led by David Mark in July 2025. This clarification emerges as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has derecognized both factions of the ADC, citing a court of appeal judgment from March 12, which has intensified the party's internal crisis.

Viral Videos Spark Scrutiny and Bala's Attendance Confirmation

The controversy began when videos shared by TheCable and posted on YouTube by Symfoni on July 2, 2025, depicted Nafiu Bala seated alongside Kenneth Okonkwo and other stakeholders at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja. At this event, Lauretta Onochie introduced Bala as the ADC deputy national chairman for intergovernmental affairs. These videos quickly went viral, raising questions about Bala's role in the leadership changes that have plagued the ADC since mid-2025.

In a detailed statement issued on April 7, Bala confirmed his attendance but emphasized that the meeting was not convened to appoint new party leaders. He explained that the gathering took an unexpected turn when Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then national chairman, resigned and unilaterally declared David Mark as acting national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. Bala stressed that this action violated Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the ADC Constitution, which do not grant an outgoing chairman the authority to appoint a successor.

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Constitutional Violations and Lack of Formal Consensus

According to Bala, the ADC constitution outlines a clear and formal process for replacing the national chairman, which Nwosu disregarded. He highlighted that there was no formal vote or consensus on the appointments made at the July 2025 event. Bala noted that several members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including himself, were taken aback by these developments and were not informed beforehand. Additionally, Sa'id Baba Abdullahi, the then national secretary, resigned under unclear circumstances, further complicating the situation.

Bala clarified that his presence at the meeting and previous engagements with coalition partners from April 2024 to July 2025 should not be interpreted as an endorsement of what he described as irregular appointments. He reiterated that his attendance was merely part of ongoing party activities and did not imply support for the leadership changes that occurred.

INEC's Deregistration and Ongoing Leadership Disputes

The ADC has been embroiled in internal crises since July 2025, with both Bala and the Mark-led group asserting leadership claims. These disputes escalated into legal battles, leading to INEC's decision to derecognize both factions. This move by INEC adds significant uncertainty to the party's future, particularly as it navigates the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections. Bala's clarification underscores the lack of formal consensus within the party and highlights the constitutional breaches that have contributed to the current impasse.

In his concluding remarks, Bala expressed hope that his statement would address concerns raised by the circulating videos and provide accurate information to set the record straight. He emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to party constitution in resolving the leadership crisis.

Background on Nafiu Bala and ADC's Political Significance

Nafiu Bala Gombe has emerged as a prominent figure in the ADC, especially in relation to political developments in Gombe State. His journey has been marked by candidacy, leadership claims, and disputes over party recognition. The ADC, as a political entity, continues to grapple with these challenges, with Bala's recent statements shedding light on the complexities of internal party dynamics and the broader implications for Nigeria's political scene.

The ongoing crisis within the ADC serves as a reminder of the importance of constitutional adherence and formal processes in political parties. As INEC's deregistration stands, the party faces an uphill battle to reconcile its factions and regain electoral credibility. Bala's break of silence may pave the way for further discussions and potential resolutions, but the path forward remains uncertain amidst deepening disputes.