Nafiu Bala bows to pressure, admits attendance in ADC unveiling, but says Mark leadership was imposed

Factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has confirmed that he attended the party’s July 2025 event where an interim leadership led by David Mark was unveiled.

The admission comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party, which has seen rival factions laying claim to its structure since a coalition of opposition figures adopted the ADC as a political platform.

The crisis recently escalated after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-recognised both factions, citing a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal.

Bala’s confirmation follows the circulation of viral videos showing him at the unveiling ceremony held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre. The footage, verified by multiple party stakeholders, captured him seated alongside other prominent figures, including Kenneth Okonkwo.

At the event, former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie reportedly introduced Bala as the party’s Deputy National Chairman (Intergovernmental Affairs).

However, in a statement, Bala maintained that his presence did not amount to endorsement of the leadership announced at the meeting.

According to him, the gathering was originally convened to adopt the ADC as a unified platform for coalition partners, not to unveil new party leaders.

He alleged that the meeting took an unexpected turn when the then National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, announced his resignation and proceeded to hand over leadership to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

Bala described the move as a violation of the party’s constitution, insisting that due process was not followed.

“There was no formal vote or consensus on the appointments, and several National Working Committee members, including myself, were taken aback by the developments,” he said.

He further disclosed that the then National Secretary, Sa’id Baba Abdullahi, also resigned shortly after the announcement under unclear circumstances.

Bala emphasised that neither the resignation nor the leadership changes were discussed with members of the National Working Committee prior to the meeting.

The development adds another layer of complexity to the ADC’s internal crisis, which continues to generate legal and political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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