Nafiu Bala, factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, has confirmed his attendance at the party’s unveiling of interim leadership led by David Mark in July 2025 but insisted the process violated the party’s constitution.
The ADC has been embroiled in leadership disputes since July 2025 when an opposition coalition took over the party’s administration.
Both Bala and the Mark-led faction have claimed legitimacy, triggering legal battles that prompted INEC to withdraw recognition from both groups on Wednesday, citing a March 12 Court of Appeal judgment.
Two viral videos showing Bala present at the unveiling of Mark’s leadership in July 2025 have circulated on social media, prompting clarification from the factional chairman.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 7, Bala acknowledged his presence at the event but maintained that there was no prior agreement to appoint Mark and Rauf Aregbesola to lead the party.
He explained that the meeting held on July 2, 2025, was convened to adopt ADC as a platform for coalition partners, not to unveil new leadership.
“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 argued that Nwosu’s actions violated the party’s constitution.
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“Nwosu’s actions were in clear contravention of Articles 8(2) and 9(4) of the ADC Constitution (2022, as amended),” he said.
According to him, the constitution does not empower an outgoing chairman to appoint a successor, and the procedure for replacing national leadership is clearly outlined.
“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,” Bala stated.
“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.”
He added that following Nwosu’s announcement, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, the then national secretary, resigned 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,” Bala said.
“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.”