Fresh leadership crisis hits ADC, Bala divides party

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into a renewed leadership crisis following the dramatic declaration by Hon. Nafiu Bala, the party’s former governorship candidate in Gombe State and current National Deputy Chairman, who announced himself as the Interim National Chairman of the party.

Bala made the declaration during a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, citing constitutional authority and an urgent need to “rescue the party from internal collapse and external manipulation.”

His move directly challenges the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, who was earlier appointed as Interim National Chairman by a coalition of opposition forces that recently adopted the ADC as their political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a strongly worded address, Bala accused a group of former party leaders of betraying the ADC by allegedly ceding control of the party to individuals with no legitimate ties to its ideological or political history.

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“The ADC is being hijacked,” Bala said. “Some individuals, entrusted with leadership, have surrendered our party’s future to strangers. This is unacceptable, and we will resist it with every legal means.”

He went on to describe their actions as “political hooliganism” and “a disgraceful abdication of responsibility,” warning that the party’s founding principles were being eroded by opportunistic actors.

Bala justified his declaration by invoking the party’s constitution, stating that as the duly elected National Deputy Chairman, he has the legal mandate to assume the position of Interim National Chairman in the absence of credible and constitutionally-backed leadership.

“In accordance with the ADC constitution, and as the duly elected National Deputy Chairman, I am stepping into my rightful role as Interim National Chairman,” he asserted. “We will not allow impunity to thrive.”

He further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the leadership transition and uphold the party’s internal rules, adding that restoring internal democracy and party integrity would be his top priority.

Bala’s declaration pits him against the influential faction loyal to David Mark, whose appointment was seen as a strategic move to reposition the ADC as a major opposition force in the run-up to 2027.

However, critics within the party, including Bala, argue that Mark’s emergence lacked due process and was engineered by outsiders with vested interests.

The unfolding crisis threatens to deepen internal divisions within the ADC, which has struggled with leadership tussles in recent years, often resulting in electoral setbacks and factional disputes.

It remains to be seen how the David Mark-led camp will respond to Bala’s claim, though analysts suggest that the matter may eventually head to court if not resolved through internal reconciliation mechanisms.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the ADC’s ability to project unity and credibility will likely depend on how quickly and transparently it navigates this fresh internal power struggle.