- Nafiu Bala confirmed attending the meeting that installed David Mark as ADC interim leader
- He denied any agreement was reached, calling the process unconstitutional
- INEC declined to recognise both factions, deepening the party’s leadership crisis
The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified, as factional national chairman Nafiu Bala confirmed that he was present at the meeting where an interim leadership led by former Senate President David Mark was installed in July 2025.
The development marks a significant moment in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute, which has since split the ADC into two factions—one aligned with Mark and the other led by Bala.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further complicated the situation on Wednesday by announcing that it would not recognise either faction, citing a Court of Appeal ruling delivered on 12 March.
Controversy surrounding the leadership tussle deepened earlier this week after videos surfaced on social media showing Bala in attendance at the meeting where the interim leadership emerged.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Bala clarified that his presence at the gathering did not imply endorsement of the decisions taken. He insisted that no agreement was reached to appoint Mark as leader during the meeting.
According to Bala, the former National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, unexpectedly announced his resignation during the session.
“Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu was given a chance to speak, and he surprised everyone by announcing his resignation as National Chairman,” Bala stated.
He further alleged that Nwosu proceeded to hand over membership cards to David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, naming them Acting National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
Bala argued that these actions were in violation of the party’s constitution, specifically Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the 2022 amended document. He maintained that the constitution does not empower an outgoing chairman to unilaterally appoint a successor.
The dispute has raised broader concerns about internal party democracy and adherence to constitutional provisions within political organisations. With INEC declining to recognise either faction, the ADC now faces uncertainty over its leadership structure and future political direction.
Observers note that the ongoing crisis could weaken the party’s cohesion and affect its participation in future electoral processes if not resolved promptly.