In July 2025, Nafiu Bala, who identified himself as the factional acting national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, was present at a major party event that would later spark a deep leadership crisis.
The gathering took place on July 2 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where the party unveiled an interim leadership team led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola. The event drew national attention, bringing together a long list of influential political figures from across Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai. Others included former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi, ex House speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and Senator Ireti Kingibe.
Also present were former APC chairman John Oyegun, ex attorney general Abubakar Malami, politician Dino Melaye, former sports minister Solomon Dalung, activist Aisha Yesufu, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and former Benue governor Gabriel Suswan.
During the programme, Bala was introduced by former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie as the party’s deputy national chairman for intergovernmental affairs. He stood up briefly to acknowledge the recognition, showing that he was still aligned with the party structure at that moment.
Speaking at the event, ADC founder Ralph Nwosu explained that the party’s top leadership bodies had stepped aside to allow the new interim team led by David Mark to take charge. He described the decision as the result of a long internal struggle that lasted about 18 months.
Nwosu said the move was meant to reposition the party for a stronger political push, praising members for what he called a major sacrifice aimed at taking the party to national power.
However, not everyone agreed with the decision. Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, openly rejected the leadership change. He argued that Nwosu no longer had the authority to make such a decision, claiming his tenure had already expired.
Bala declares himself chairman and challenges takeover
Just weeks after attending the unveiling, Nafiu Bala took a dramatic turn. On July 30, 2025, he declared himself the national chairman of the ADC during a press conference in Abuja.
He accused the David Mark led leadership of taking over the party unlawfully and violating its constitution. Bala insisted that loyal party members would challenge the move in court.
Soon after, controversy deepened when a resignation letter surfaced, claiming Bala had stepped down from his previous role. He strongly denied the document, calling it fake and the work of people trying to mislead the public and weaken his position.
Bala maintained that he never resigned and remained a legitimate leader within the party structure.
Court battle and INEC decision leave ADC without recognised leader
The dispute soon moved to the courts. On September 2, 2025, Bala filed a case at a federal high court in Abuja, asking the court to stop the Mark led executives from presenting themselves as party leaders.
He also asked the court to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising them and instead acknowledge him as the acting national chairman.
Although the case began with preliminary proceedings, the legal fight escalated when David Mark challenged the court’s authority to hear the matter. However, on March 12, 2026, the court of appeal dismissed his challenge, ruling it lacked merit.
The appellate court instructed all parties to maintain the existing situation and avoid actions that could disrupt the ongoing case at the lower court.
Following this, INEC reviewed the ruling and announced that it would no longer recognise either faction led by Bala or Mark. The electoral body said it would strictly follow the court’s directive.
The Mark faction rejected this stance, accusing INEC of outside influence. The result is a political stalemate, with the ADC left without any officially recognised leadership.
Silence from Bala raises questions
Efforts to get a response from Nafiu Bala about his earlier appearance at the unveiling event have so far failed, according to TheCable.
Although he initially answered a phone call, the conversation ended abruptly when questions were raised. Subsequent calls, as well as text and WhatsApp messages, have not received any reply.
His silence adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex and unresolved leadership crisis within the party.
