BREAKING: Crisis rocks ADC as new National Chairman emerges

A major leadership crisis has hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the self-declaration of Hon. Nafiu Bala, former Gombe State governorship candidate, as the party’s Interim National Chairman.

Bala, who currently serves as the National Deputy Chairman of the party, made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday. He cited constitutional backing for his decision, claiming he was compelled to step in due to what he described as a breakdown in party leadership.

This move directly challenges the authority of former Senate President David Mark, who was previously named Interim National Chairman after the ADC was adopted as the platform for a coalition of opposition parties.

Bala accused some party leaders of handing over the party’s structures to “powerful outsiders” and abandoning their constitutional duties.

“We can no longer stand by while a few individuals mortgage the future of our great party,” he said. “These political hooligans have thrown ADC into a crisis by surrendering control to strangers who have no history with the party.”

He described recent events in the party as a “shoddily rehearsed political drama,” aimed at facilitating a complete takeover by non-members. He warned that if the internal crisis is not addressed, he and his supporters would take legal action to restore order.

Bala called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise his new position and intervene to protect the integrity of the party.

“I am now assuming my constitutional responsibility as the Interim National Chairman of the ADC,” he declared. “I urge INEC to take immediate cognisance of this development.”

Bala reaffirmed his commitment to restoring internal democracy and upholding the party’s constitution, which he said clearly outlines procedures for succession and filling vacant leadership positions.

INEC has not yet issued a response regarding the unfolding crisis.