Nafiu Bala, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has confirmed he attended the party’s July 2025 unveiling of an interim leadership led by David Mark, but insisted the process lacked due procedure and consensus.
Gatekeepers News reports that since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the ADC, the party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with Bala’s faction and the Mark-led group both claiming legitimacy.
The dispute escalated into prolonged legal battles, culminating in a decision by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise both factions on Wednesday, citing a March 12 judgment of the court of appeal.
Amid ongoing debate over INEC’s action, viral videos obtained by TheCable showed Bala in attendance at the unveiling of the Mark-led leadership in July 2025.
Footage from the event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, captured Bala seated alongside Kenneth Okonkwo and other stakeholders. TheCable said it verified the videos through multiple party members who attended the meeting.
At the event, Lauretta Onochie reportedly introduced Bala as ADC deputy national chairman (intergovernmental affairs).
‘No formal vote or consensus’
In a statement on Tuesday, Bala acknowledged his presence at the meeting but maintained that it was not convened to install new party leaders.
According to him, the July 2, 2025 gathering was meant to formalise the adoption of ADC as a unified platform for coalition partners.
“Contrary to expectations, the event took an unexpected turn when Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the then National Chairman, was given the floor to deliver his welcoming address,” Bala said.
“In a shocking move, he announced his resignation as National Chairman, proceeded to issue a membership card to Sen. David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, and declared them Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.”
Bala described the move as a violation of the party’s constitution, noting that it does not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint a successor.
He added that the laid-down procedure for replacing the national chairman was ignored.
“I was present at the meeting and can attest that the gathering was not intended for the unveiling of Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders,” he said.
“My attendance at the meeting and previous engagements with coalition partners from April 2024 to July 2025 do not imply endorsement of the irregular appointments.
“There was no formal vote or consensus on the appointments, and several National Working Committee (NWC) members, including myself, were taken aback by the developments.”
Bala further said that following Nwosu’s announcement, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi resigned as national secretary under unclear circumstances.
“None of the NWC members were privy to the situation, and neither Nwosu nor Abdullahi had discussed the matter with us prior to the meeting,” he added.
“I trust this clarification addresses the concerns raised by the circulating videos of my humble self on social media platforms. I appreciate the opportunity to provide accurate information and set the record straight.”
