Profile of Nafiu Bala: Lawyer turned politician making waves

Nafiu Bala Rabiu, a lawyer and politician from Gombe State, became a national figure during one of Nigeria’s most talked-about political crises between 2025 and 2026.

He served as the Deputy National Chairman (North-East) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) before declaring himself the acting National Chairman, a move that sparked a fierce leadership battle involving former Senate President David Mark.

Background

Born in Nassarawo Ward, Gombe, in the early 1990s, Bala grew up in a modest family in the Gombe metropolis.

He attended Nassarawo Primary and Junior Secondary School, then proceeded to Government Day Technical College, Gombe, earning his Senior Secondary School Certificate in 2010.

He later studied at AD Rufai College for Legal and Islamic Studies in Misau, where he obtained a Diploma in Law in 2012.

Before fully entering politics, Bala volunteered at private law firms in Gombe, gaining practical legal experience.

Political journey

Bala began his political career with the now-defunct Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) linked to former Sokoto State governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa.

He later joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and eventually moved to the ADC in 2022.

That year, he was confirmed as the ADC governorship candidate in Gombe State with the backing of 300 delegates.

Though he lost to the incumbent governor, his legal challenges against the election results brought him national attention and cemented his place within the party’s leadership.

Leadership roles

As Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Bala became a key member of the party’s National Working Committee.

His most significant political moment came in 2025, when founder Ralph Nwosu stepped down, paving the way for David Mark to lead a new coalition.

Bala, citing the party’s constitution, claimed that as deputy chairman he should assume leadership.

Controversy

The controversy escalated when a resignation letter allegedly signed by Bala surfaced, which he denied, calling it a forgery.

Despite videos showing him at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja during Mark’s interim appointment, Bala filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja in September 2025, seeking legal recognition as ADC’s acting national chairman.

The dispute continued into 2026, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspending recognition of rival party factions.

On March 12, 2026, the Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s challenge, a legal win for Bala’s faction, though the main conflict remains unresolved.

Critics, including Ralph Nwosu and former Senator Ishaku Abbo, accused Bala of breaking party agreements, while some alleged his faction was influenced by the ruling APC, claims he firmly rejected. As of now, Bala does not appear to have verified social media accounts.

Family

Bala is a devout Muslim and he is happily married with children. He resides in Abuja but still maintains close ties with his hometown Gombe.

Net worth

His estimated net worth is around $800,000 garnered from his legal career, political engagements, and other businesses.

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